Africa is at the heart of global efforts to accelerate clean energy access and transitions. With around 40% of the world’s critical mineral reserves—including cobalt, lithium, manganese, and graphite—the continent is essential to decarbonization efforts. The challenge lies in transforming this endowment into a driver of green industrialization, sustainable development, and strategic autonomy, rather than continued raw material dependence.

This session, co-organized by TESS, UNCTAD, and UNECA, will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and experts to explore trade and cooperation approaches that enable African countries to capture greater value from critical minerals while advancing climate and development goals. Held alongside MC14, it will highlight regional priorities in global discussions on trade, climate technologies, and sustainability standards.

Panelists will examine strategies to integrate African countries into higher-value segments of critical mineral and clean energy supply chains, promote economic diversification, and foster climate-resilient development. The discussion will also focus on shaping emerging global rules, standards, and partnerships to support the Africa Mining Vision, the AfCFTA industrialization agenda, and inclusive, sustainable growth across the continent.