Africa’s untapped $8.6 trillion mineral worth has the potential to help African nations realize their employment creation agenda.
Africa’s mining sector maintains its role as a key contributor of employment creation, fuelled by rising global demand for critical minerals. According to the Compendium of Africa’s Strategic Minerals 2026, released last week by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the continent holds an estimated $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth – about 20% of global reserves – with $8.6 trillion still untapped. The study highlights a clear opportunity for the continent to accelerate industrialization and job creation by focusing on value addition across downstream industries, including aluminium, fertilizers, battery materials and alloys.
Expanding Production, Expanding Jobs
As African countries advance greenfield developments and expand or restart brownfield operations, mining’s contribution to employment is expected to strengthen.
In Namibia, the resumption of uranium production in 2025 and 2026 is supporting renewed sector growth. Speaking in Cape Town, Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy Gaudentia Krohne reported that the country’s mining industry directly employed 20,843 people at the end of 2024. With diversification underway into rare earths, copper, lithium and other critical minerals – alongside the finalization of a new minerals bill – Namibia is positioning itself to attract fresh capital and expand workforce participation.
“Namibia is committed to supporting small-scale miners and improving livelihoods. We are focusing on finance support schemes and training support programs to equip our workforce with emerging skills,” stated Krohne.
In South Africa, the government has outlined plans to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to strengthen its critical minerals value chain. The strategy spans exploration, project development, manufacturing and skills training, reinforcing the sector’s role in employment and export growth.
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