UN Trade and Development and Japan partner to add value to Africa’s critical minerals sector

The new partnership will help countries harness the rising global demand for critical energy transition minerals for value addition and economic diversification.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with funding from the Government of Japan, has launched a new project to help Southern African countries capture more value from critical energy transition minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths – vital for batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles.

Despite rich deposits of critical minerals, many African nations still export raw materials with little local processing or industrial benefit. This new project aims to change that by supporting countries like Madagascar, Namibia and Zambia to promote local processing capacity, value addition and diversify their economies.

Signing a new partnership agreement in Geneva on 16 May, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan launched the one-year initiative alongside Ambassador Atsuyuki Oike, Japan’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

Transforming natural wealth into inclusive development gains

Unlocking a more resilient and inclusive future requires transforming natural wealth into productive capacity through value addition and strategic economic diversification.

As critical minerals become central to both the energy and digital transitions, it is essential that developing countries be empowered to move beyond extraction and shape their own development paths.

Japan’s support will enable UNCTAD to provide technical assistance and policy advice on value addition and diversification both within and beyond the critical minerals sector - focusing on sustainable value chains, stronger institutions and fairer distribution of gains.

The initiative aligns with broader goals of economic resilience, job creation and sustainable development for resource-rich African economies.