As the global critical minerals race heats up, resource-rich African countries once again face a double-edged opportunity to harness a wave of investment and economic opportunity in the mining sector, while avoiding resource-curse pitfalls and advancing public health.

Global demand is booming for cobalt, copper, lithium, and other minerals important for the transition away from fossil fuels, and as a result, Africa is central to the global push for cleaner energy and supply chain diversification. But realizing the full potential of this moment requires more than just mineral extraction: It requires intentional and creative solutions that elevate public health as a strategic priority for investors, mining companies, and African governments.

From occupational hazards to infectious disease outbreaks, the African mining sector has a checkered public health legacy. But in this new report, Rebecca Katz, director of Georgetown University’s Center for Global Health Science and Security, shows that the current moment is a chance to change that. The wave of geopolitical attention and capital investment presents opportunities to strengthen health systems, surveillance, and regional cooperation across the continent. Realizing these benefits will require deliberate action and to ensure such projects deliver on their full promise, public health should be prioritized as a core consideration, not a peripheral concern.

The global race to secure critical mineral supply chains has drawn strategic attention and amid this shifting geopolitical landscape, public health represents one potential avenue through which new entrants might differentiate themselves from incumbents.

In addition to providing recommendations for key stakeholders, this report explores the intersection of mining and public health in Africa, spotlighting the Lobito Corridor and other prominent mining-driven development corridors and their implications for public health.

Report Jun 6, 2025

Keeping China at bay and critical minerals stocked: The case for US-Africa defense collaboration

By Aleksandra Gadzala Tirziu

As Russia, China, and other authoritarian powers expand their global reach, US security is at stake. To stay competitive, the United States must turn to Africa—for both critical minerals and partnership in countering rising adversarial influence on the continent.

Africa Non-Traditional Threats

Report Sep 23, 2024

Lessons for African mineral producers from the Indonesian experience

By Julien Marcilly and Bradford Simmons

Indonesia and its success with resource nationalism can serve as an example for many mineral-rich African countries.

Africa Energy & Environment

Report Jul 1, 2024

From greenfield projects to green supply chains: Critical minerals in Africa as an investment challenge

By Aubrey Hruby

This report provides a snapshot of Africa’s mineral wealth and mining industries, draws out the similarities between the mining and infrastructure investment attraction challenges, describes the competitive landscape African nations find themselves in, and makes innovative recommendations—namely to the US government—to rapidly accelerate investment in sustainable mining industries in African markets.

Africa Economy & Business

The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

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Image: Artisanal miners work at a cobalt mine-pit in Tulwizembe, Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo, November 25, 2015. Photo by Kenny Katombe via Reuters.