Africa’s mineral wealth is once again at the centre of global attention. Demand for copper, cobalt, lithium and platinum group metals is surging, with Gulf investors committing billions. The question is no longer whether capital is coming — but who sets the terms.

Governments can either repeat the old model of concessionary deals and exported ore, or use new tools like AI-driven geological data to negotiate from strength. With youth unemployment rising and the energy transition accelerating, mining must deliver more than royalties. Local processing, skills, infrastructure and technology adoption are the levers that turn short-term cash into long-term development.

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BusinessLIVE — How will Africa use its resources leverage?