Steel industry workers in South Africa discuss tariffs to protect local steel production.
Africa’s mineral wealth—vital for the global green transition—remains paradoxical: while the continent supplies 30% of the world’s critical minerals, its communities face energy poverty and environmental harm. The recent toxic spill in Zambia underscores the urgent need for change. As Southern African Development Community leaders prepare for their 45th Summit, a transformative opportunity emerges. By uniting trade policies, infrastructure, and value chains, Southern Africa could boost GDP by $24 billion annually and create 2.3 million jobs. Fragmented approaches currently force nations to compete, weakening bargaining power and perpetuating raw material exports. But coordinated action—through shared energy grids, processing partnerships, and African Continental Free Trade Area-aligned strategies—could position Africa as a green industrial hub.
African Business