UK FOREIGN SECRETARY UNVEILS REPORT ON AFRICA’S POTENTIAL IN GLOBAL BATTERY SUPPLY CHAIN 04-11-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has launched a pivotal report in Lagos, highlighting Africa’s potential to play a major role in the global battery supply chain.
The report, titled “From Minerals to Manufacturing: Africa’s Competitiveness in Global Battery Supply Chains,” emphasizes Africa’s opportunity to shift from raw mineral extraction to refining, assembling, and manufacturing batteries.
A statement by the British High Commission in Lagos explains that the initiative is part of the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme, in partnership with the Faraday Institution, the UK’s leading research body on batteries and energy storage.
Findings from the report suggest that, with strategic investments and favorable policies, refining critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and copper within Africa could be 40% more competitive than in other regions by 2030.
The report projects that just one high-quality refinery per mineral could bring an estimated USD 6.8 billion in revenue and create approximately 3,500 jobs across Africa, strengthening the continent’s presence in the global battery market.
In addition to refining, the report identifies potential for Africa in battery assembly, especially in countries like Tanzania and Morocco.
The reports also suggests that under certain conditions, these nations could produce batteries at costs competitive with Europe.
The study further explores opportunities in battery pack assembly and recycling, and provides strategic recommendations for investors and policymakers.
The Director for Economic Development at the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Helen King underscored Africa’s potential, stating that investment in battery production could bring substantial economic and job growth to the region.
This sentiment was echoed by Nigeria’s Sovereign Investment Authority and other key stakeholders, who expressed optimism that the report will inspire actionable steps to advance Africa’s manufacturing and clean energy sectors.