Critical Minerals for a Just Clean Energy Transition​

Date: Thursday 7​ September 2023

Time: 10:30am -11:30am EAT

Location: Aberdares Hall, Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC)

This is an Africa Climate Week 2023 Action Track event. Live streaming link.

The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources will depend on critical minerals. Minerals - such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt - are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies – from wind turbines and electricity networks to electric vehicles. The consumption of these minerals could increase sixfold by 2050, according to the IEA. By value, this market could top $400 billion, exceeding the value of all the coal extracted in 2020.  

However, across the globe, including in Africa, critical minerals come with environmental, social, economic, geopolitical, trade, and partnership challenges and opportunities   among others.

This session will discuss how the clean energy transition and the rising demand for critical minerals makes this a key moment for Africa to strengthen its position in green technology value chains. As highlighted by the African Mining Vision, the sustainable mineral development of energy transition minerals in Africa will require long-term strategies that foster value addition and benefit sharing, build resilience, trust, and economic diversification, and create sustainable green jobs.

Explore UNEP's full list of activities during Africa Climate Week/Africa Climate Summit 2023.