Strengthening Africa’s mineral beneficiation economy

France's involvement in Africa's critical mineral sector has been steadily growing, with a focus on both the opportunities and risks in the region. Benjamin Gallezot, the Interministerial Delegate of the French Government, highlighted the importance of Africa as a key continent for critical minerals due to its abundant resources that are yet to be fully developed. He emphasized the need for not only extraction but also the transformation and refining of metals, stating that this is crucial for Europe and France as they strive to source new metals for the energy transition and industrial purposes. Gallezot underscored the significance of developing a strong partnership with African countries to drive the value chain forward. He pointed out the benefits of refining minerals in Africa, closer to the source, citing environmental, supply chain security, and economic development reasons. Despite acknowledging the challenges like power supply, infrastructure, and skills gap, Gallezot assured that France was ready to provide expertise in energy, networks, skills development, and financing to support Africa in developing its refining and transformation capabilities. Regarding the ease of doing business, Gallezot recognized the diversity of the African continent, noting the varying regulatory and business environments across the 54 countries. He emphasized France's approach to engage with each country individually, respecting their sovereignty and specific needs. The French government has been actively collaborating with several African nations, offering tailored assistance ranging from technical expertise to exploration support based on each country's requirements. Gallezot mentioned partnerships with countries like Nigeria, DRC, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Morocco, and Egypt, among others, showing the breadth of France's engagement in the region. He highlighted initiatives such as training programs for geological exploration and extraction of resources from tailings, evidencing France's commitment to supporting Africa's mining sector at a granular level. Moreover, Gallezot stressed the importance of regional and multinational cooperation for significant infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy sector. By collaborating with the European Union and multilateral institutions, France aims to contribute to the development of key infrastructure that benefits multiple African nations. The conversation between Gallezot and CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters showcased France's proactive role in enhancing Africa's mineral beneficiation economy, promising continued support and engagement to bolster the continent's mining landscape. As Africa's critical mineral sector continues to evolve, engagements like the one between France and African nations are crucial for driving sustainable development and economic growth in the region. The partnership between France and Africa holds the potential to unlock vast opportunities in the mining industry, paving the way for a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.