The EU needs African resources for its green transition: Can it circumvent China?
The EU’s green and digital ambitions depend on a stable supply of critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt and graphite. With growing concerns over value chain security and dependence on single countries like China, the EU has launched the Critical Raw Materials Act to build more resilient supply chains. But how can Europe build new partnerships, particularly in Africa, to achieve this?
Why is Europe suddenly so concerned about raw materials?
The EU’s push for a Critical Raw Materials Act isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s a direct response to a world of increasing geopolitical shocks and fragile supply chains, a reality driven home by the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation explores how this quest for “strategic autonomy” is rooted in fears of dependency, particularly on China, which could weaponise its control over these essential resources.
A clash of perspectives: ‘Critical’ vs. ‘Strategic’ minerals
The language used by different actors reveals a major challenge. For the EU, minerals like lithium and cobalt are ‘critical’ inputs for its green and digital industries. But for African partner countries, they are ‘strategic’ assets for building their own economies. This episode unpacks how these nations are no longer content to simply export raw resources; they are demanding opportunities for local value addition, processing, and industrialisation as part of any new deal.
Can the much-hyped Lobito Corridor really cut out China?
The Lobito Corridor, an ambitious infrastructure project linking the DRC and Zambia to an Angolan port, is often hailed as Europe’s answer to Chinese dominance. The reality is far more entangled. From the Chinese-rehabilitated railways and ports to the Chinese joint ventures in the mines themselves, China’s presence is deeply embedded in the project. The discussion reveals that even with this new route, the raw materials are still destined for one place for processing: China.
A pragmatic path forward: If you can’t beat them, work with them?
Given China’s manufacturing prowess, its dominance in refining, and Europe’s own high energy costs, competing head-on is not a realistic strategy. This episode explores a more pragmatic and controversial idea: what if the EU leveraged its market power to incentivise Chinese companies to move their refining operations to Africa? This could create a win-win-win scenario: Africa gets value-adding industries, the EU gets a more secure supply of refined materials, and China retains access to the European market.
Are the EU’s tools fit for a new strategic purpose?
High-level strategy is one thing, but on-the-ground implementation is another. A fascinating case study from Guinea, involving a French firm’s plan to build an alumina refinery, exposes a critical gap. The EU’s existing development and cooperation instruments are often not designed to support these kinds of large-scale, strategic industrial projects. The conversation highlights how this mismatch between ambition and available tools poses a significant hurdle to the EU’s new agenda.
About the author
Chloe Teevan is the head of ECDPM’s digital economy and governance team.
Poorva Karkare is a senior policy analyst at ECDPM working on issues of industrialisation and regional integration in Africa with a political economy lens.
Jonathan Hunter is a communications officer in ECDPM’s outreach and impact department.
