Zimbabwe, a Southern African nation, is emerging as a critical player in the global energy transition. Responding to the escalating demand for renewable energy, the country is making strategic advancements in lithium mining. This move positions it as a central figure in the electric vehicle (EV) battery market.
According to Business Insider Africa, the government reports that Bikita Minerals, located 300 kilometers from Harare, holds about 65.43 million metric tonnes of lithium. This significant reserve underlines Zimbabwe’s importance in sustainable energy. The nation’s lithium, often called “white gold,” is attracting intense competition among global corporations for battery metals. Notably, lithium-ion batteries, essential for EVs, can account for up to half the vehicle’s cost.
Zimbabwe is rapidly climbing the ranks in global EV and electronics production, fueled by its vast lithium reserves. Ranking sixth worldwide, the country is now a top lithium producer. Business Insider notes that in the first nine months of 2023, Zimbabwe’s lithium exports generated $209 million. This figure is expected to reach $500 million by year-end, making lithium the country’s third-largest mineral export.
The country is witnessing a significant influx of foreign investment in its mining sector. Companies from China, Australia, and the United States are increasingly investing in Zimbabwe’s lithium. Analysts from S&P Global Commodity Insights and McKinsey predict a significant boost in lithium production and a 30 percent annual growth in the lithium-ion battery sector, potentially surpassing $400 billion by 2030.
Chinese firms are notably active in Zimbabwe, investing $2.79 billion in 2023 alone. ZhenHua Wang of Bikita Minerals highlights China’s dominant role in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Benedict Peters, with his company Bravura Holdings Ltd., is also a key player in this mining surge.
Amid economic challenges, Zimbabwe’s government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, views mining as crucial for national revitalization. The goal is to make Zimbabwe the world’s largest lithium exporter, contributing significantly to global demand.
Marshall Comins of Billionaires.Africa emphasizes Mnangagwa’s mining-focused strategy. He calls on major mining nations to engage more in Zimbabwe, balancing Chinese influence. Comins also notes the need for a government fund to support local lithium claim holders.
In 2022, Zimbabwe enacted the Base Mineral Export Control Act, banning raw lithium exports. This move, fostering mineral value addition, has spurred investments in lithium processing, particularly from Chinese firms.
The Mnangagwa administration is also bolstering agriculture. Belarus has supported Zimbabwe with a $58 million farm mechanization deal, enhancing the country’s agricultural capabilities. This development, along with the horticultural sector’s aim for $1 billion in exports by 2030, showcases Zimbabwe’s multifaceted approach to economic recovery.
Mfonobong Nsehe of Global Executive Outcomes Group lauds Mnangagwa’s dual focus on mining and agriculture. He sees these sectors as pivotal for Zimbabwe’s economic resurgence and agricultural excellence.
“The recent infusion of $58 million in farm mechanization from Belarus, coupled with a $100 million deal for machinery, exemplifies a strategic commitment to agricultural resurgence. As Zimbabwe reclaims its agricultural prowess, the horticultural sector, once ravaged, is rebounding with increased investments, eyeing a remarkable $1 billion in exports by 2030. He applauds Mnangagwa’s dedication to steering the nation toward economic recovery and agricultural excellence, transcending the shadows of past challenges.”
