African Pulse

This monthly presents studies on strategic and economic security related developments in Africa, which hold particular relevance for India. 

In this issue, and against the backdrop of the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit held in South Africa, the authors take a closer look at the minerals beneficiation strategy which is now positioning Africa for a higher development trajectory. 

Since the early 2000s, Africa has placed value addition of its mineral and metal wealth at the centre of its development agenda, a matter of sovereignty as much as development. 

Meanwhile, the global economy has shifted toward critical minerals that drive energy, technology, and industrial strategies. Africa now stands at the threshold of a major opportunity. Determined to overcome the past, it is pursuing reforms, new investments, and stronger international partnerships. 

The 2025 G20 Summit held in Johannesburg has reinforced this direction. The Leaders’ Declaration recognises the importance of value addition, mineral beneficiation, industrial capacity, and fair partnerships. The G20 Critical Minerals Framework further signals support for strengthening local processing and resilient, equitable mineral value chains.

Across the African continent, countries are now implementing policies to enhance beneficiation and build their place in global supply chains. Continental initiatives aligned with Agenda 2063, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), support this shift by enabling scale, regional value chains, and greater competitiveness. 

India’s long-standing partnership with Africa can play a vital role in this regard. It can deepen collaboration by helping build Digital Public Infrastructure, which aligns with Africa’s Digital Transformation Strategy; through expanded skills and capacity-building programmes; and through joint ventures in the natural resources sector that support local value addition while also securing strategic supplies for India. 

Furthermore, India can also leverage its trilateral cooperation with the EU to deliver infrastructure suited to Africa’s priorities, combining EU financial and technical strengths with India’s cost-effective and context-sensitive implementation.

To read this African Pulse, Vol. I, Issue 5, please see the PDF attached.