A new strategic partnership has been announced today (7 Jan) between the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG), and the APO Group, a pan-African communications consultancy. The partnership is aiming to raise the global significance of Africa’s critical minerals sector.
The concept of the partnership is to leverage APO Group’s public relations and strategic communications expertise and CMAG’s leadership in the critical minerals sector, to showcase Africa’s role in the global supply chain for essential resources, and to elevate the global profile of Africa’s critical mineral sector.
Africa Focus Key Objective
Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to hold approximately 40% of the world’s proven, critical mineral reserves. Minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements that are essential for the global energy transition and advanced technologies are concentrated in large deposits on the continent. It is expected that demand for these resources rises, CMAG has stated that it is committed to placing Africa at the centre of international discussions on critical minerals and associated supply chains while ensuring that the continent’s mineral wealth benefits local economies.
“This partnership with APO Group marks a key step in our mission to position Africa as a leader in critical minerals,” said Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of CMAG. “By combining our expertise, we will amplify Africa’s voice in global conversations, influence policy and supply chain discussions, and unlock the full potential of Africa’s critical minerals.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Critical Minerals Africa Group in shaping the future of Africa’s critical minerals industry,” said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and chairman of APO Group. “Despite Africa’s central role in the global critical minerals industry, African policymakers, business leaders, and citizens struggle to influence vital discussions around policy and supply chains. This strategic partnership underscores APO Group’s commitment to advancing Africa’s empowerment and global prominence.”
Demand For Critical Minerals set to Boom
Forecast from the International Energy Agency (IEA), indicate a sharp rise in demand for critical minerals in the medium term, and in particular, there is expected to be high demand in the following minerals in global markets:
- Nickel demand is expected to double,
- Cobalt demand anticipated to triple, and
- Lithium demand deemed to increase tenfold.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), harnessing these resources effectively could boost Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 12% or more by 2050.