ZAMBIA EMERGES AS AFRICA’S NEW FRONTIER FOR ENERGY TRANSITION MINERALS

Zambia is shifting gears from copper to critical minerals, positioning itself as a key supplier in the global green energy race by 2040.

Zambia Africa Green energy Copper Mineral strategy Transformation Rare earth elements.
Zambia Transforms from Copper to a Diversified Mineral Strategy
Zambia Transforms from Copper to a Diversified Mineral Strategy



Zambia is making a bold pivot from its traditional reliance on copper to a diversified mineral strategy centered on high-demand critical minerals like lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, and columbite-tantalite, positioning itself as a key player in the global green energy economy.

With copper prices fluctuating and the clean energy transition accelerating, Zambian authorities and international investors are turning their attention to the minerals that will power the future. From electric vehicles to renewable energy storage, the global demand for strategic minerals is forecast to skyrocket by 2040, and Zambia is racing to meet it.

Across the country, exploration is ramping up. In the graphite sector, which is projected to see a 130% surge in global demand, major deposits have been confirmed in Petauke, Lundazi, and Kapiri Mposhi, including high-grade finds in Mvuvye and Njoka. Companies like Malaika Exploration are now moving toward commercial extraction, signalling Zambia’s readiness to compete in the fast-growing EV battery materials market.

But it’s not just graphite. Lithium, forecast to see a 350% global demand boom, has been discovered in promising quantities in the Choma Belt in Southern Province. UK-based First Africa Metals is advancing exploration at the Misika and Kandela sites, while additional surveys continue in Tonga, Konayuma, and Rock Valley. These discoveries could bring in new revenue streams and reduce Zambia’s dependence on copper exports.

Rare earth elements (REEs), essential for everything from smartphones and electric motors to wind turbines and military tech, are also drawing investor interest. Canadian firm Antler Gold is advancing exploration at the Kesya Project, while Nkombwa Hill is being developed by x-RAM Traws. With demand expected to climb 65% globally, Zambia’s entry into the REE market could unlock access to highly strategic global supply chains.

Perhaps most eye-opening is the potential of columbite-tantalite, or coltan, with a staggering 525% demand spike projected by 2040. Used in electronics, medical devices, and aerospace systems, coltan exploration is underway in Southern Province and northeastern Zambia. Maamba Collieries and Malaika Exploration are leading the charge, with hopes that coltan could be a game-changer for Zambia’s mineral exports.

Experts argue that if Zambia can manage this opportunity with the right mix of governance, environmental protections, and community development, the rewards could be transformative. Diversification into future-facing minerals offers a path toward industrial growth, infrastructure expansion, and job creation, all while aligning with the global shift toward clean energy.

However, stakeholders are sounding a note of caution. Civil society groups are urging transparency in mineral licensing, equitable land use agreements, and strict environmental standards to avoid the pitfalls of past extractive projects.

Zambia’s strategic shift arrives at a crucial time. As the global economy retools for sustainability, countries that can supply ethically sourced, high-demand minerals will hold a powerful advantage. For Zambia, the race is not just about extraction, it’s about reinvention.

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