Africa’s Rare Earth Top Holders: How Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria Are Shaping a New Strategic Future

Africa’s rare earth element (REE) landscape is entering a defining moment, as countries with sizeable deposits of these critical minerals position themselves at the center of the global clean-energy transition. Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria now form the continent’s leading trio, each with distinct geological strengths, political priorities and social stakes.

Tanzania stands at the forefront, boasting roughly 890,000 tonnes of proven reserves and one of the world’s most promising projects: the Ngualla deposit. Long viewed as a sleeping giant, the project is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Tanzania’s industrial ambitions. The government has woven rare earth development into its broader economic vision, promising jobs in remote regions and new revenue streams that could strengthen the country’s bargaining power in global commodity markets. With respect to the local communities, expanding mining corridor brings hopes of infrastructure upgrades such as roads, electricity and schools, alongside growing conversations about environmental protections and fair distribution of benefits.

South Africa follows closely with about 800,000 tonnes of reserves and a mature mining ecosystem. With advanced projects such as Steenkampskraal, Phalaborwa and Zandkopsdrift, the country is positioning itself as an African processing hub rather than just a supplier of raw ores. Policymakers see REEs as a chance to revive industrial sectors weakened over the past decade and to secure greater autonomy in the technologies spanning electric vehicles, wind turbines, medical imaging, etc. that depend on these minerals. Yet the social conversation remains complex, showing mining communities are demanding stronger safeguards; and political debates continue around how new wealth should be shared in a country still grappling with inequality.