Africa is a major global supply hub for energy and critical minerals.

B.U.T.
Africa economy remains small;
its people still exploited;
There are systemic barriers
to fair participation.

Africa carries the world’s growth but gains little from it.
Low investment and poor
infrastructure slow down
it's progress.
This stops Africa from fully
capitalizing on its economic
opportunity.

In addition,
the governments do not create industries around the mines,
but rather export the raw material and import final products.

This lead to-
-Poverty, 
-Joblessness
-Limited investments,
-Youth unemployment, 
-Lack of skills development,
-Infrastructral funding deficit

In the end, affecting the GDP of the countries - an agenda set by trade and bilateral agreements.

Worse than colonization.

ECONOMIC SIZE
In 2026, Africa's GDP is projected to be $3.32 trillion.
●It's economy shows steady growth; but remains modest compared to its potential.

By comparison:
●The United States will remain the world’s largest economy projected to be $31.8 trillion (10x Africa)
●The U.S. economy is larger than China, Germany, and India combined.
●China is projected at $20.7 trillion, Germany at $4.7 tn, and India at $4.2 tn.
●Advanced economies to grow 1.5%, benefiting from Africa.

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Africa holds vast reserves of oil, gas, renewables, and key minerals.

●Africa is the global supplier of
-->energy (oil, gas, renewables)
-->critical minerals (cobalt, lithium, rare earths).

●Southern Africa alone holds nearly a third of the world’s critical mineral reserves.
-->These are essential for the global
energy transition and renewable
technology manufacturing.

REFLECTION
Five realities for us to reflect on:

1. Africa supplies the world’s energy and minerals

2. It remains the least industrialized region

3. It holds one of the youngest populations

4. Its growth comes from a very low base

5. True wealth leaves before transformation begins

GLOBAL GOALS
Five SDGs connect directly to Africa’s reality:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Africa’s energy potential supports global renewables; fair access must benefit local economies too.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Fair trade and stronger infrastructure can help Africa capture real economic value.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Building sustainable industries ensures minerals fuel growth at home; not just abroad.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
A just transition means fair returns; Africa’s wealth should uplift its people first.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration with accountability ensures shared benefit and sustainable impact.

Africa holds the keys to the world’s clean future. How can the continent move from resource supplier to value creator?

                      +++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SDG expert. I help business professionals understand Africa geopolitics and sustainability ● ex-Head of research 🇿🇦 Gov ● ex-ward coord ● CEO of SAUP(Sustainability Awareness NPC) ● ex HOD   3 books