Mohamed Okash is the Founding Director of the Institute of Climate and Environment at SIMAD University in Somalia.
A recent report by the African Finance Corp. suggests that Africa holds an approximate $29.5 trillion in mineral wealth. It is little wonder then that the continent is once again being courted for what lies beneath its soil.
For Africa, this moment feels both familiar — and fraught. Indeed, the stakes are not only about minerals; they are about whether a continent with the world’s youngest population will be shaped by decisions made elsewhere, or finally assert control over how its future is built.
It is time for African policymakers, political leaders, and regional institutions to treat minerals not merely as export commodities, but as strategic bargaining tools.
From cobalt and lithium to the rare earth minerals powering electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and modern defence technologies, global powers are racing to secure the resources they believe will define the next century.
In this context, Africa has a strategic advantage. The continent holds an estimated 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, including over 55% of global cobalt, around 44% of global manganese, significant shares of platinum-group metals, and fast-growing lithium discoveries in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Ghana and others. Despite this endowment, Africa only captures less than 1% of global mineral value addition.
A regional approach to value addition
To turn this tide, African policymakers, political leaders, and regional institutions must be intentional about the terms under which these resources leave the continent.
One practical step would be adopting common beneficiation thresholds, requiring that certain minerals not be exported in raw form, but only after reaching a defined level of domestic processing, such as concentration, refining, or precursor production. Instead of shipping unprocessed lithium ore or cobalt concentrate abroad, for example, governments could require some level of upgrading at home.
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West Africa’s first lithium mine awaits go-ahead as Ghana seeks better deal
Ghana wants to benefit from the scramble for lithium but its reliance on mining firms for revenue and expertise weakens its ability to negotiate preferential terms, experts say -
Outdated geological data limits Africa’s push to benefit from its mineral wealth
As companies flock to Africa to secure minerals for the energy transition, unreliable and century-old mapping risks stifling investment -
South Africa’s platinum mine dumps get a second look as clean energy lifts demand
Mining firms say extracting minerals from tailings is a sustainable way to boost global supplies, but local communities want to see benefits this time around
A handful of African nations have already taken such measures.
In 2023, Namibia banned exports of unprocessed lithium and other critical minerals to encourage local beneficiation. That same year, Ghana announced a lithium agreement that also included provisions for local value addition and state participation, signalling that raw mineral exports will not define its long-term strategy. And just last week, Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and all raw minerals. The government framed the move as a way to compel domestic processing and downstream investment rather than continued raw export dependency.
In addition, the African Union has been pushing toward a more coordinated regional approach to minerals through its African Mining Vision. Fully implementing such an approach would not only strengthen the continent’s bargaining power but prevent companies from simply shifting operations to the country offering the weakest standards.
Mineral revenues can help fund climate plans
Of course, export restrictions alone are not a silver bullet. They work best when backed by clear regulation, reliable energy supply, infrastructure investment, and regional coordination.
Aligning mineral policy with energy, climate, and industrial strategies is equally important. That means linking mining licenses to renewable energy investment consistent with the Paris Agreement, directing mineral revenues into long-term industrial or green transformation funds rather than short-term budget fixes, and using frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build cross-border value chains. Strong transparency standards under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) can further strengthen public trust and fiscal stability.
Critical minerals give Africa a real chance to move beyond aid-dependent development and invest in growth driven from within. Managed well, they can help finance locally led transformation, creating jobs, building industries, and strengthening economic resilience.
A different model with young people at the table
This debate cannot be confined to boardrooms and foreign capitals, however. Africa has one of the youngest populations on Earth, yet for many young people, the future is not guaranteed, shaped by persistent poverty, inequality, conflict, and accelerating climate shocks that erode livelihoods and public trust.
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Battery passport plan aims to clean up the industry powering clean energy
Some of the world’s largest battery makers are piloting a scheme led by the Global Battery Alliance to reward manufacturers that meet social and environmental standards -
‘America needs you’: US seeks trade alliance to break China’s critical mineral dominance
The US has signed nearly a dozen mineral deals with countries as it called for the creation of a trading bloc to diversify supply chains away from China -
Rush for critical minerals tests Europe’s resolve to protect nature
A Climate Home News investigation found that more than half of the EU’s “strategic” mineral projects lie on, or within a kilometre, of protected Natura 2000 sites
Young people must have a seat at the table. And they are already making their voices heard; speaking boldly about the future they want, sparking public conversation through entrepreneurship, organising, research, art, and policy advocacy. Indeed, the mineral agreements signed today will determine whether this generation inherits jobs and dignity, or deeper vulnerability and unfinished promises.
Africa’s future should not be secured by the goodwill of external partners, nor by repeating extractive bargains dressed up as development. It should be shaped by African leaders who choose value creation over raw export, and long-term sovereignty over short-term gain.
In a world marked by climate change and growing geopolitical rivalry, Africa has something few others possess: the resources, the market, and the moral claim to insist on a different model.
If that mineral wealth is governed with the right policies, transparency, and foresight, it can anchor green industrialisation, expand opportunity for a rising generation, and reposition Africa not as a prize in a new scramble, but as a decisive architect of a more just and sustainable global order.
The post Africa’s mineral wealth can make it an architect of a more just energy transition appeared first on Climate Home News.
Africa’s mineral wealth can make it an architect of a more just energy transition
Climate Change
FLIP OFF WOODSIDE TO SAVE SCOTT REEF: Greenpeace, Michael Caton, Thinkerbell mobilise Australia to challenge gas project at Scott Reef
6 November 2026
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has joined forces with Thinkerbell and iconic Australian actor Michael Caton on a major public movement and behaviour change initiative to save Scott Reef, calling on Australians to “flip off” gas corporation Woodside. The company plans to drill for gas at Australia’s largest oceanic reef, home to vulnerable green sea turtles, endangered pygmy blue whales, and thousands of marine species, off the coast of Western Australia.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
At the heart of the collaboration is somebody who knows a thing or two about fighting off corporations to protect a home: Michael Caton. Set in a courtroom, Caton gives his voice to a voiceless inhabitant, a green sea turtle, and together they invite the public to show their support to save Scott Reef.
Designed to shift public behaviour and drive national debate, the movement asks the public to tag their MPs – applying direct political pressure on Environment Minister Murray Watt and Prime Minister Albanese Albanese to “flip off” Woodside’s dirty gas project, which would see up to 57 toxic wells drilled around Scott Reef off the coast of Western Australia.
Voiced by Michael Caton and set to a soundtrack provided by Radiohead, the narrative centres on our hero turtle defending her home from corporate overreach in a courtroom showdown. As the turtle defiantly flips her flippers at Woodside, Michael Caton calls on everyday Australians to take a stand and help save her home.
Michael Caton said: “I’m proud to lend my voice to Greenpeace to help save Scott Reef. The marine life out there can’t speak up, so we need to. Some things are too precious to risk.”
Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, added: “Woodside’s dirty gas project at Scott Reef, Australia’s largest oceanic reef, is an environmental disaster waiting to happen, threatening thousands of species, including the extremely vulnerable green sea turtles that nest there. By literally flipping off Woodside and Big Gas, Aussies are cutting through corporate spin and sending an unignorable message to Environment Minister Murray Watt and the Albanese government: save Scott Reef.”
Adam Ferrier, co-founder of Thinkerbell, said: “You can fight a corporation in the courtroom forever, but the real power to deliver lasting protection rests in parliament. Right now, our MPs hold an extraordinary opportunity to safeguard Scott Reef for generations to come. I’m proudly from WA, and I know how much the natural environment means to the people and economy of Western Australia. I’m also sure Woodside wants to do the right thing, and with enough public support and government action we’ll together save Scott Reef.
Paul Swann, Chief Creative Tinker at Thinkerbell notes: “When the stakes are this high, polite ads don’t work. You need an unignorable provocation that galvanises people and puts the pressure squarely where it belongs, on our leaders in Canberra. This isn’t just about protecting a reef; it’s about holding power to account.”
Greenpeace has been campaigning to stop Woodside’s dirty gas plans for years, increasing pressure on the Australian government to save Scott Reef from becoming an industrialised gas zone. From actions aboard Woodside’s gas platform to cinemas across Australia, Greenpeace isn’t backing off in their advocacy to save Scott Reef.
Rolling out across OOH, digital, social and cinema with an interactive landing page, this project will be amplified by high-profile figures urging Australians to take action, tag their MPs, and defend Scott Reef. The movement combines cinematic storytelling with organic social mobilsation and earned media, planned via Thinkerbell’s Alchemy model to drive real behaviour change and impact.
Marking their first Australian tour in 15 years, English rock band Radiohead will play 16 arena shows across Perth, Melbourne and Sydney in May and June 2027. A $2 donation is included in every ticket price with proceeds going to Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the Australian Marine Conservation Society. Radiohead will match the final amount raised.
ENDS
WATCH NOW:
FOR ASSETS OR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Adam Ferrier | 0413 633 344 | adamferrier@thinkerbell.com
Kimberley Bernard | 0407 581 404 | kbernard@greenpeace.org
ABOUT THINKERBELL
Thinkerbell is a 9-year-old independent creative company. We practise Measured Magic – the coming together of marketing science and hardcore creativity – to help our clients build their brands and change behaviour.
ABOUT GREENPEACE
Greenpeace Australia Pacific is a global independent campaigning organisation that uses peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.
Climate Change
Jimmy Barnes, King Gizz lead Aussie music supergroup on new release to save Scott Reef
SYDNEY, Monday 9 November 2026 — Australian music icons Jimmy Barnes AO, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Fred Leone, Gordi & Montaigne are among the more than 20 Australian artists who have joined forces to release a new song with an urgent message: save Scott Reef.
Released today, “If Not Now” is a reimagining of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s Environmental Music Prize-winning song “If Not Now, Then When?”, and is a collaboration between Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Green Music Australia, and p(doom) Records.
Scott Reef is a 15-million-year-old ancient coral reef located 270 kilometres off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. It is Australia’s largest oceanic reef and is home to thousands of marine animals and endangered species, but fossil fuel corporation Woodside plans to drill up to 57 toxic wells under and around the reef, threatening to turn it into an industrial gas zone.
“If Not Now” is the reef’s first and only release, out on all digital platforms and on limited edition 7” vinyl. The song is accompanied by cover art and visualiser from acclaimed Australian artist and ARIA-winning music video director Jonathan Zawada (Flume, The Avalanches).
Speaking about the track, Stu Mackenzie (lead singer, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard) said: “Why are we still digging up coal and gas? Why are we allowing this? Why is the Australian government so hell-bent on destroying our beautiful wild and untouched places? I’m proud that a King Gizz song was chosen to represent a growing movement of people who are asking these questions and applying pressure. Let’s shut it down and keep it beautiful.”
Rock legend Jimmy Barnes AO said: “Scott Reef is one of the few pristine reefs left in the world and it happens to be on our doorstep. We’re custodians of it — we’re supposed to be looking after it. It’s ridiculous. We must protect our country and look after what we value most, which is the nature and the beauty of this country.”
Hannah Schuch, Senior Campaigner for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “I’m filled with hope by the incredible musicians and artists who are using their voices and skills to amplify the voices of half a million Australians who are calling on the government to stop Woodside’s nature and climate-wrecking gas plans and save Scott Reef. Australian music has long been a powerful catalyst for change, so saving Scott Reef is a no-brainer for Australian music lovers.”
Contributing artists (in alphabetic order):
- Alex Lahey
- Brinkley Davies (marine biologist/freediver)
- Birdland
- Close Counters
- DOBBY
- Fred Leone (Artist of the Year at the 2026 NIMAs, singing in Butculla)
- Gordi
- John Butler
- Jimmy Barnes
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
- Leah Senior
- Mahalia Barnes
- Montaigne
- Ngaiire
- NIDALA
- Peppa Lane (Spacey Jane)
- Ruby Rodgers (2026 Environmental Music Prize winner)
- Terry Guyula (Drifting Clouds, singing in Yolgu Matha)
- Tom Mahler (The Moving Stills)
- Urthboy
Production cast:
- Becki Whitton (G Flip, Allday, Stella Donnelly)
- Stu McKenzie (King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
- Tay Blunt (FVNERAL)
- Tim Shiel (Green Music Australia)
Three generations of the Barnes family, Jimmy Barnes, his daughter, Mahalia Barnes and granddaughter Ruby Rodgers, contributed to the track.
The release comes amid growing national pressure on the Federal Government to save Scott Reef from Woodside’s gas drilling plans.
Last week, a leaked letter from WA’s environmental watchdog to Woodside revealed the agency deemed drilling risks to Scott Reef ‘serious, significant and irreversible’, while Greenpeace Austr