Africa Emerges as Global Lithium Powerhouse to Meet 2028 Supply Deficit

Securing the Global Battery Supply Chain

Global lithium demand is projected to exceed 13 million tons by 2050, with supply deficits expected as early as 2028. Amidst this pressure, Africa has emerged as a critical player. In 2025, the continent became the largest source of new lithium supply globally, with its output exceeding that of the rest of the world combined.

With an estimated $276 billion in new investment needed globally to avoid future shortages, African nations are leveraging their vast “greenfield” projects to attract international capital and strengthen local processing (beneficiation).

Key Projects and Emerging Hubs

Strategic lithium deposits across the continent are rapidly moving from exploration to active production:

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

• The Manono Project: Operations are expected to begin in mid-to-late 2026 under Zijin Mining, AVZ Minerals, and KoBold Metals.
• Significance: One of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits, marking the DRC’s first major lithium output and diversifying its mineral exports.

2. Mali

Mali is quickly becoming a regional leader with two massive spodumene deposits:

• Goulamina Project: Currently producing 506,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually, with targets to reach one million tons.
• Bougouni Project: Commissioned in 2025, Phase Two expansion aims to nearly double its current 125,000-ton annual capacity.

3. Zimbabwe

As Africa’s current top producer, Zimbabwe is pioneering “Value Addition” policies:

• Local Beneficiation: Government bans on the export of raw lithium are forcing investors to build local processing plants.
• Economic Goal: Transitioning from an ore exporter to a supplier of high-value battery materials.

4. Ghana

• Ewoyaa Project: Developed by Atlantic Lithium, this site is targeted for production in late 2027.
• Output: Projected to produce 3.58 million tons of spodumene concentrate over its lifespan.

Lithium Mining vs. Processing

Understanding the shift from raw ore to refined concentrate is vital for Africa’s economic strategy.

• Spodumene: A lithium-bearing mineral found in hard-rock deposits.
• Beneficiation: The process of crushing and refining ore into concentrate (6% lithium), which significantly increases its market value before export.

Looking Ahead: African Mining Week 2026

The investment momentum will culminate at African Mining Week 2026 (October 14–16, Cape Town). This event serves as the premier platform for:

• Project Showcases: Highlighting development-stage mines to global investors.
• Policy Dialogue: Aligning government regulations with investor requirements to accelerate the lithium value chain.
• Partnerships: Connecting policymakers from lithium-rich nations like Namibia and Mali with tech leaders in the EV sector.