Africa Lithium-ion solar container battery Intelligent Manufacturing Project

Where do Africa's Battery minerals come from?

Despite Africa’s riches in terms of CRMs, currently the battery minerals by and large leave the continent raw and unprocessed, with refining, and manufacturing, mostly taking place elsewhere, especially in China. Some notable exceptions include South Africa’s existing aluminium and manganese refining, and more recent nickel refining.

Which countries are developing a lithium-ion battery value chain?

Nevertheless, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) places the lithium-ion battery value chain as a priority. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop this value chain. South Africa and Morocco have announced plans to build LIB gigafactories.

Does South Africa have a battery value chain?

There is also little to no battery manufacturing, except battery assembly in South Africa. Nevertheless, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) places the lithium-ion battery value chain as a priority. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop this value chain.

What are some examples of a global demand for lithium-ion batteries?

Batteries are one example of this trend. The worldwide demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is expected to reach 13.5 million metric tonnes by 2030, implying a large increase in the demand for African CRMs including lithium, cobalt, manganese, graphite and phosphate.