This interactive map and its accompanying report illustrate bilateral and multilateral agreements made with African countries regarding access to their green or critical minerals. These minerals, essential for the energy transition, have become a key focus of geopolitical strategies worldwide in recent years.

This strategic importance of critical minerals is increasing alongside intensifying geopolitical competition over future markets for green energy products. Consequently, multilateral and bilateral agreements between states regarding the production, access and processing of critical minerals are on the rise. Africa’s mineral wealth has attracted significant interest, positioning African states as key players in these partnerships. These agreements – often called “mineral partnerships,” “Memorandum of Understanding” (MoUs), or “cooperation agreements” – vary considerably in their content, format, and key actors. They may include provisions for value chain integration, joint ventures and knowledge sharing, among other areas. Show more

Information about these partnerships is not always publicly available, and their broader implications remain unclear. To address this gap, APRI conducted an extensive online search using multiple search engines and databases. The search encompassed G20 and BRICS+ member states, as well as states with significant mining sectors, such as Chile, Cuba and Venezuela. Although this search yielded a significant number of partnerships, it is not exhaustive. The map and accompanying information will be updated regularly as knowledge of these partnerships expands.

For a comprehensive understanding, explore this interactive map in conjunction with the accompanying report (accessible via the link below), which provides an in-depth analysis of the most salient bilateral agreements with African states. Show less