Africa wants critical minerals to yield jobs, not just dollars

Zimbabwe’s mining minister Winston Chitando has a long-term ambition for his country to manufacture batteries and solar panels. (Image: Government of Zimbabwe)

The Wall Street Journal

Sat, 12 Jul 2025

By Nicholas Bariyo in Kampala, UgandaTrump administration officials seeking deals for critical minerals in Africa are in for a surprise: governments here are increasingly reluctant to export raw ore, betting instead they’ll keep more jobs and revenue if they insist on processing the material at home.Nearly half of Africa’s 54 countries – from Angola to Zimbabwe – have restricted or banned raw-material exports over the past two years, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.Zimbabwe, Africa...

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