By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The African Critical Minerals Summit 2025, kicked off at Indaba Hotel, Fourways from 25-26 August 2025. The Summit is aimed at highlighting the important minerals which can be used to contribute to the JustEnergy transfer. The two day summit will aim to explore innovative ways that these minerals can further boost the economy of African countries.
The Summit includes high-level panel discussions and keynote address by Patrick Mulindwa Lubega representing the African Minerals Strategy Group.
On the first day of the Minerals Summit, the key point highlighted is that Africa is on the back foot of beneficiation when it comes to its mineral resources.
Former Premier for Mpumalanga and Chairperson of Jubilee Group PLG expressed that mining licenses should be given to new and upcoming mining giants, highlighting that the junior sectors have what it takes to take over the fold; “Give the youngsters licenses and we will find the money” he said.
South Africa has the lowest gross savings which is lower than the global average of 25% with South Africa sitting at 15%.
There is a major emphasis on African countries including South Africa to rely on their own homegrown capital in order to sustain itself and must use less foreign investment. Currently the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe are global leaders in terms of gold reserves yet they are benefitting the least from these resources.
Patrick Mulindwa Lubega who represents the African Minerals Strategy Group has emphasised a need for Africa to use their resources exponentially and should seize giving away their minerals to the west.
The General Industries Workers Union (GISWUSA) have emphasised that African governments need to have a common approach in regards to managing the continent’s excessive mineral resources. Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe has expressed ahead of the Summit that Africa must take a stand over the West digging their hands in Africa’s mineral reserves.
“We should not be bullied for what we own. We mine these critical minerals and people need them” said Mantashe.
“If you are hit with a 30% tariff, then change direction. Take those minerals to markets where you get better value,” he added.
Fortune Mlalazi from the African Strategies for Mineral Sovereignty has outlined that Africa has the potential to unlock the energy transition.
“Our continent holds the keys to the energy transition, industrial development and global wealth creation and yet paradoxically, the very people who live on top of this wealth are often the poorest.
The two day summit will conclude this Tuesday as more ideas will be shared on how Africa can coherently benefit from its mineral reserves to ensure economic stability and growth.