Keypoints:
- African countries scale mining for GDP growth
- Strategic projects boost jobs and exports
- Global demand fuels mining investment drive
AFRICAN countries rich in natural resources are expanding cooperation with global partners to strengthen mining value chains, in a bid to fast-track economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. From gold and copper to lithium and diamonds, mining is becoming a key pillar in national strategies to boost revenue and reduce dependency on traditional exports.
Across the continent, nations are actively scaling mining projects and reforms to unlock greater value from their mineral wealth, aligning with global demand surges driven by the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Mali targets record mining revenue
In Mali, mining remains central to the country’s fiscal outlook. The government expects to collect $1.2bn in tax revenue from the mineral sector in Q1 2025 alone, thanks to new projects like Hummingbird Resources’ Yanfolia and Ganfeng Lithium’s Goulamina mine. In 2023, the sector contributed roughly $1bn, making up 21.5 percent of the national budget — a trend that is expected to strengthen as more operations come online.
Malawi eyes $300bn in export earnings
Malawi is rapidly advancing mining projects under its Agriculture, Mining and Tourism (AMT) strategy, aiming to boost exports, attract investment and create jobs. According to the World Bank, the country’s mining sector is on track to contribute 12 percent to GDP by 2027, with projected export revenues of $30bn between 2026 and 2040. The government is positioning mining as a long-term economic growth driver.
South Africa builds on mining legacy
South Africa’s mature mining industry remains a major economic engine, contributing 6 percent to GDP in 2024, with R100bn ($5.3bn) in national revenue and R800bn in mineral exports, accounting for 45 percent of total merchandise exports. The industry supports nearly 475,000 formal jobs, or 4.5 percent of total employment, with government efforts underway to revitalise gold production and develop critical mineral
assets.
Zambia scales up copper ambitions
Zambia is focused on increasing copper production, which already contributes 20 percent of total revenue, 15 percent of formal employment, and 70 percent of export earnings. A government plan aims to ramp up annual output to 3.1 million tonnes by 2031, alongside reallocating 1,000 repossessed mining licences. New investments from Barrick, Jubilee Metals, and Tertiary Minerals are expected to boost both output and GDP impact.
Botswana targets diamond value chain growth
Botswana is building on its diamond-rich foundation to create deeper industry value. Diamond mining contributes 30 percent of GDP, 4 percent of employment, and a massive 85 percent of total exports. With global partnerships at the core of its strategy, the country aims to unlock new opportunities in downstream processing, revenue generation and job creation within the sector.
Ghana boosts gold and small-scale mining
Ghana’s mining sector continues to deliver strong economic returns. In 2024, gold alone accounted for 48.4 percent of GDP, with small-scale miners generating $5bn in foreign earnings from exports. The government is now focused on formalising artisanal mining, improving regulation, and attracting new investment to maximise the sector’s full value.
Africa Mining Week set to spotlight growth
As the mining momentum builds, the upcoming African Mining Week, scheduled for October 1–3 2025 in Cape Town, will bring together governments, investors, and industry leaders. The event will spotlight how African countries are translating mineral revenues into economic infrastructure, jobs, and long-term growth.
With global demand for minerals rising rapidly, Africa’s mining future looks increasingly promising — and governments across the continent are moving decisively to ensure that future is both inclusive and sustainable.
