The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states today to accelerate the transformation of the region’s vast mineral and agricultural wealth into industrial production, regional value chains and lasting economic prosperity.
Addressing Heads of State and Government at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete delivered a stark assessment of Africa’s position in the global economy and a clear call to action. “Africa exports minerals; others manufacture batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. Africa exports agricultural commodities; others process, package and market higher-value food products.”
He highlighted the extraordinary endowment of Southern Africa, rich deposits of platinum, lithium, diamonds, manganese, cobalt and copper, alongside fertile land, manufacturing capacity, financial markets and transport corridors linking the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Africa holds approximately 30% of global reserves of critical energy transition minerals, for which demand could more than triple by 2030 under net-zero scenarios.
