By: Ecofin Agency

Africa accounted for 14% of global lithium supply in 2025, more than double its share just two years earlier, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026 released on July 16. The increase reflects a wave of investment that has accelerated lithium production across the continent.

The IEA said Africa's lithium output rose 44% in 2025. The continent's share of global supply climbed from 6% in 2023 to 11% in 2024 before reaching 14% last year, highlighting the rapid rise of African producers, particularly Zimbabwe and Mali, where several industrial mines have entered production in recent years.

Despite Africa's gains, global lithium supply remains dominated by China, Australia and South America's "Lithium Triangle" of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, which together account for most of the world's production.

Zimbabwe and Mali Lead the Growth

Zimbabwe remains Africa's largest lithium producer and the main driver of the continent's expansion. Mines including Bikita, Arcadia and Sabi Star have steadily increased production, while Mali joined the ranks of global producers after the Goulamina and Bougouni mines entered production in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The industry's development is gradually moving beyond mining. Backed by government policies in Zimbabwe, several companies are investing in processing facilities that produce higher-value lithium compounds instead of exporting mainly lithium concentrate. One example is lithium sulfate. Earlier this year, Chinese group Zhejiang Huayou commissioned the country's first lithium sulfate plant at its Arcadia operation.

China's influence, however, remains central to the industry's growth. As Agence Ecofin previously reported, the IEA estimates that Chinese-headquartered companies own 65% of Africa's new lithium mining capacity. That presence also reinforces China's dominance in global refining, with its share of refined lithium production rising from 70% in 2024 to 75% in 2025.

The Bigger Test Lies Ahead

Demand for lithium continues to benefit from electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems, while the recent recovery in lithium prices has supported new mining projects across Africa.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Manono project has entered the production ramp-up phase. Billed as the country's first lithium mine, it is expected to eventually produce about one million metric tons of spodumene concentrate a year. In Ghana, the Ewoyaa project continues to move toward construction, while other lithium developments are advancing in Nigeria and Namibia.

Most of these projects also rely heavily on Chinese investment. Zijin Mining is developing Manono, while Zhejiang Huayou is seeking to acquire a stake in Ewoyaa through an ongoing takeover deal.

Africa's rising share of global lithium supply tells only part of the story. The bigger challenge for producing countries will be converting that growth into long-term economic benefits through higher mining revenues, local employment, downstream processing industries and investment that benefits surrounding communities.