Critical Minerals and Technology: A Central G20 Concern for Africa
Africa contributes 30% of the world’s critical minerals, making this a pressing issue for the South African government as it takes on the G20 Presidency this year. Discussions surrounding these vital resources are set to be a major focus at the upcoming Johannesburg summit in November.
The High-Tech Industry’s Role in Ensuring Fairness
The high-tech sector, which drives much of the demand for critical minerals, has a significant role to play in promoting equitable practices. Minerals like copper, cobalt, coltan, lithium, and silicon are essential for powering the advanced, electrified systems of the future.
Minerals as Catalysts for Development
Coltan is a key component in capacitors for devices such as cell phones, computers, and cameras, while lithium batteries are crucial for electric vehicles. In fact, South Africa holds 80% of the world’s platinum reserves, which are vital for producing high-resolution displays in various technologies.
Insights from Industry Experts
The ITWeb Security Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg last June, gathered prominent figures from the technology sector. Experts highlighted that critical minerals extend beyond mere raw materials; they are pivotal for industrialization and establishing fair trade relationships with resource-rich nations.
Generating Value Through Local Processing
South Africa is taking proactive steps to create a framework for critical minerals that empowers countries to develop their own value chains, including local processing. This initiative aims to foster economic growth, leading to what President Cyril Ramaphosa described as an “additive rather than extractive relationship” at the Davos World Economic Forum.
Negotiating for Access and Technology Dependency
Noel van der Waag-Cowling, a leader in cybersecurity training, voiced concerns about Africa’s reliance on critical minerals amidst an international “arms race.” She emphasizes the necessity for negotiation agents to secure access to these vital resources, suggesting that such deals could enhance the continent’s IT infrastructure, especially in light of advancements like artificial intelligence.
The Geopolitical Landscape and Trade Fairness
While Africa is rich in minerals, most profits originate from outside its borders. With examples such as the U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals agreement and China’s restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, it becomes clear that Africa must advocate for favorable terms that acknowledge its substantial deposits and dependence on foreign technology giants.
