Africa Industrialization Day

   The energy transition offers unprecedented opportunities to advance green industrialization , foster inclusive growth , and build resilient economies . A just transition can drive innovation and sustainable industries in developing and emerging economies utilizing the increasing demand for minerals vital to clean technologies . Related Sites and Documents:  Global Industry Summit . Watch The transformative power of just energy transitions for industrial development! . 01:53:31 Meetings & Events

For mineral-rich Africa, it's time to rethink mining, metal and minerals for a resilient future, experts underscored at an intergovernmental meeting hosted by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 3 to 5 November. From extraction to value addition, the discussion explored pathways to build competitive industries and productive capabilities on the continent. As the world increasingly pivots to renewable energy, soaring demand for critical energy transition minerals presents both opportunities and risks for Africa. The continent is abundant in such materials: 48.1% of cobalt, 47.7% of manganese, 21.6% of natural graphite, 5.9% of copper, 5.6% of nickel, 1% of lithium and 0.6% of iron ore globally. But African exports, primarily unprocessed minerals, have long limited job creation, weakened industries and left countries vulnerable to swings in global commodity prices. With funding support from Japan, an UNCTAD-led project is helping Madagascar, Namibia and Zambia identify high-poten...

  It is indisputable that human activity is inflicting significant harm on our planet’s ecosystem. Not only has the scientific community reached a strong consensus on this, but it is also reflected in The growing impacts of climate change and our unsustainable consumption of natural resources . We are now witnessing the consequences of these activities through extreme climate events, including heatwaves, wildfires, rising sea levels, and increasingly severe storms. Furthermore, the overexploitation of essential natural resources such as biomass, metals, non-metallic minerals and fossil fuels is contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and the extinction of species. Addressing the consequences of human-induced environmental degradation , particularly in relation to climate change , has become the greatest challenge global society is facing today. This is of particular relevance given that developing countries, especially SIDS, which face heightened risks from rising sea le...

  Developing countries that can effectively leverage renewable energy sources and green technologies will be better positioned to capitalize on the green transition , attracting investment and integrating more seamlessly into GVCs . The energy transition presents a unique opportunity for sustainable industrialization for LICs and LMICs. The emergence of new industries related to solar and wind energy, EVs, battery production, and innovative technologies such as hydrogen and advanced biofuels, offers these countries a pathway to integrate into Global Value Chains ( GVCs ). With  global investments in clean energy reaching USD 1.8 trillion in 2023 alone, developing countries can capitalize on their natural resources, such as minerals needed for green technologies , to secure a foothold in these high-growth sectors. However, they also face financial challenges, as only 15% of global renewable energy investments are directed towards these countries, with a paltry 2% alloc...