Think Tank Successfully Hosts Africa Green Minerals Dialogue

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) congratulates the Africa Institute of Environmental Law (AIEL) for co-hosting a two-day High-Level Regional Policy Dialogue titled “Africa’s Critical Minerals Value Chain: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges” on 27–28 May 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. Organized in partnership with the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), the event convened stakeholders to advance sustainable mineral governance in Africa.

Discussions centred on leveraging Africa’s critical mineral resources amid the global energy transition, addressing both challenges and opportunities. The dialogue aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster partnerships, and shape policy frameworks to ensure these resources drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth across the region. It successfully attracted a global audience of policymakers, industry leaders, and experts.

In a post-event statement, the AMDC applauded the dialogue as a “timely and productive platform” and highlighted the following key outcomes:

• Enhanced alignment with continental policy frameworks (Africa Mining Vision and Africa Green Minerals Strategy).
• Strong push for regional beneficiation and value chain development.
• Prioritization of data and transparency in deal-making.
• Support for innovative, de-risked financing models.
• Calls for a unified African strategy in global mineral geopolitics.
• Commitment to ESG, human rights, and responsible mining standards.

The dialogue also produced concrete action points:

• Development of national implementation roadmaps aligned with the Africa Green Minerals Strategy.
• Capacity building on data analytics, contract negotiation, and ESG monitoring.
• Establishment of a knowledge hub to track critical mineral MoUs and agreements with external actors.

ZELA commends AIEL, the AMDC, all attendees, funding partners, and panelists for delivering a platform rich with insights and advancing Africa’s sustainable mineral future.