Powering Africa’s Mining Boom Through Regional Energy Collaboration

By 2040, the demand for lithium could increase over 40 times, while graphite, cobalt and nickel may see demand grow by approximately 20 to 25 times, according to the International Energy Agency. This presents a strategic opportunity for Africa – endowed with approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves – to increase mineral production and generate greater revenue from the mining industry. However, to realize this potential, aligning energy development with mining activities is imperative, as consistent and reliable power is crucial for mining operations.​​

Bridging the Power Gap

Established mining-producing countries across Central and Southern Africa, including the DRC, South Africa and Zambia, have encountered challenges in sustaining mining operations, underscoring the need for investment in reliable energy systems to remain competitive. In Zambia, the mining sector accounts for over 50% of the country’s electricity consumption, while in South Africa, the mining industry consumes between 14% and 30% of the nation’s electricity. The DRC, rich in cobalt and copper, has seen its mining sector’s electricity demand outpace domestic supply, resulting in a deficit of between 500 MW and 1,000 MW.

To address ongoing energy challenges, mining companies are increasingly investing in renewable energy solutions to ensure stable power supply for their operations. In the DRC, Kamoa Copper partnered with CrossBoundary Energy to supply baseload renewable energy to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper mining complex. The project includes a 222 MWp solar photovoltaic system and a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system, with construction scheduled to begin in August 2025. In Zambia, Jubilee Metals secured regulatory approval in January 2025 for a power supply agreement to energize its Roan copper concentrator and Sable Refinery. Zambia is also focusing on expanding hydropower projects in the Northern Watershed of the Zambezi River to meet the growing energy demands of its mining industry.

Leveraging Regional Collaboration

To boost mining production and address power challenges, African nations are leveraging regional collaboration to develop shared infrastructure, harmonize regulations and promote integrated energy planning. Zambia and the DRC are actively seeking power imports from neighboring countries to address the shortfall and sustain mining activities. In Zambia, the Iringa–Sumbawanga High Voltage Power Line – expected to be completed in 2025 – will connect Tanzania’s grid to Zambia’s, facilitating cross-border electricity exchange. Additionally, the DRC plans to receive 50–100 MW from Ethiopia via the Nelsap line, 100 MW from Tanzania and 25 MW from the Republic of Congo.

The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) – a regional electricity grid – has also emerged as a vital platform for facilitating electricity trade. In March 2024, SAPP and Climate Fund Managers launched the $1.3 billion Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility to build high-voltage transmission lines across Southern Africa. Priority projects include connecting Angola to Namibia, Malawi to Mozambique, and Tanzania to Zambia.

Hydrocarbon Production to Support Mining Operations

Africa’s oil and gas market offers another solution for increasing power supply to support mining operations. Namibia is on track to become an oil producer by 2029 and is also advancing its Kudu gas project – scheduled for 2026. The project offers a new supply of gas-fired power to the region. Mozambique seeks to enhance regional gas exports with the start of several offshore LNG projects, exporting $1.4 billion worth in gas in the first nine months of 2024 alone.

Additionally, sub-Saharan Africa’s second biggest producer Angola aims to increase gas production. The country’s first non-associated gas project – led by the New Gas Consortium – is coming online in 2026. The 750 MW dual-fired Soyo II Combined Cycle power plant will also come online in 2025, complementing the existing Soyo I facility. Leveraging SAPP, the country seeks to increase gas-fired power exports, thereby supporting key sectors such as mining in neighboring countries.