The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) has emphasised the importance of Africa’s critical minerals in global markets during a panel session at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh. The event, which attracted over 14,000 participants from 178 countries, provided a platform for governments, businesses, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for fostering sustainable and transparent supply chains.
Veronica Bolton Smith, CMAG’s CEO, chaired a panel discussing how to make high-risk, mineral-rich regions more investable by improving supply chain transparency and certification. The conversation gained urgency in light of recent developments, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s legal action against Apple over alleged use of conflict minerals.
Bolton Smith and other industry leaders stressed the need for a multistakeholder approach involving governments, businesses, and local communities. This collaboration is vital to overcoming challenges and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.
The panel highlighted the necessity of robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure companies adhere to regulatory frameworks. Strengthening these frameworks, they noted, would not only build trust but also unlock responsible financing opportunities to maximise Africa’s mineral wealth.
‘Stakeholders should not wait for conditions to improve,’ said Bolton Smith. ‘They must proactively shape the changes needed to unleash Africa’s critical minerals potential.’
During the forum, CMAG engaged with government officials, business leaders, and supply chain stakeholders to explore deeper collaborations. The event underscored CMAG’s mission to position Africa at the centre of global discussions on critical minerals policy.
By fostering greater transparency, building community trust, and advancing regulatory enforcement, Africa’s mineral resources can play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth while meeting global demand for critical materials.
Credit: Africabriefing
