Africa: $8.6 trillion of untapped mineral wealth in Africa – African Finance Corporation
A new study published by the African Finance Corporation (AFC) yesterday shows that Africa hosts an estimated US$29.5 trillion in mineral value from mine sites, representing about 20% of global mineral wealth, yet captures only a small fraction of the economic value embedded in this endowment.
Of this total, US$8.6 trillion remains undeveloped, reflecting an under-explored continent, where fragmented geological data, uneven coverage, and limited transparency continue to raise risk perception and restrict investment.
Improving the availability and quality of geological data is a necessary first step to de-risk projects and unleash exploration capital, the report said.
The study also asserts that mine site values significantly underestimate Africa’s true potential by failing to capture the much greater value that is created when minerals are processed into steel, aluminium, fertilisers, batteries and alloys. Measured at the point of industrial use, Africa’s mineral wealth is expanding at significant rates, revealing great potential value.
