Africa has emerged as a strategic hub in global economic and geopolitical balances, attracting significant attention from major powers. The continent's rich natural resources, geographical position, and human potential have sparked a surge in investments and partnerships from countries like China, the US, the European Union, Russia, Türkiye, India, and Gulf states. This interest is driven by Africa's vast reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt, bauxite, copper, and lithium, which are crucial for the transition to renewable energy and technological advancements.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) alone accounts for approximately 75% of the world's cobalt production, while Guinea has substantial bauxite reserves. The DRC and Zambia are significant players in copper production, and Zimbabwe has become an attractive destination for lithium investments. Africa also boasts considerable solar and hydroelectric potential, fertile agricultural land, and one of the youngest populations globally. This has led to a flurry of investments in infrastructure and supply chains, with China strengthening its presence in mining and infrastructure, and the US and Europe supporting the Lobito corridor, which connects mining areas in the DRC and Zambia to Angola's port.
However, this renewed interest in Africa is set against a backdrop of historically unequal relationships. The continent has long been a major exporter of raw materials, but has struggled to develop its industries locally, perpetuating economic dependencies. The global transition to renewable energy and the desire of major powers to secure their supplies have created new opportunities for Africa. Several countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Rwanda, are forging their own paths, focusing on industrialization, renewable energy, and innovation.
Morocco is bolstering its position in international trade through projects like Tanger Med and Nador West Med, which commenced operations in October 2026. The success of these endeavors will depend on Africa's ability to move beyond raw material exports and develop its industries, particularly in areas like renewable energy, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) also holds significant potential for transforming the continent's place in the global economy.
Nevertheless, the central question remains: who will truly benefit from Africa's wealth? Attracting investments without developing local skills and jobs risks perpetuating historical dependencies. The real challenge is to make Africa a continent of production, transformation, and innovation, which requires balanced partnerships, better regional integration, and a political will to convert national successes into continental opportunities.
One crucial aspect that could make a difference is South-South cooperation. Morocco's cooperation with the rest of the continent has yielded concrete results, including fertilizer blending units in Rwanda and Nigeria, and banking and telecommunications networks. Other partnerships, such as the Diama and Manantali dams shared by Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania, and the Kazungula bridge between Botswana and Zambia, demonstrate the potential for African countries to work together and leverage their complementarities.
As Africa looks to 2030, it must transform global interest into prosperity for its populations and enhance its capacity for action on the world stage. The continent must reveal its potential, valorize its talents, and assert its ambitions, recognizing that its greatest strength lies in its unity, complementarities, and collective ability to build its future.
Key points
- Africa's growth will depend on its ability to develop local industries and jobs.
- South-South cooperation can help Africa leverage its complementarities and become a global player.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for transforming the continent's economy.
