Despite producing large quantities of minerals and contributing significantly to global industrial development, Africa remains at the bottom of the mineral value chain. Most of its mineral resources are extracted and exported in crude form, depriving it of the chance to add value through processing, refining, or manufacturing.

However, Africa is increasingly asserting its agency over the development of its mineral resources, challenging these colonial-era practices as it seeks to move beyond extracting and exporting raw materials. Governments are seeking greater control over mineral value chains, insisting that foreign partnerships deliver technology transfer, local employment, and productive capacity rather than merely secure access to resources.

Recent policy decisions reflect this shift. In 2022, Zimbabwe prohibited raw lithium exports to encourage investment in domestic processing facilities. Namibia followed in 2023 by restricting exports of unprocessed lithium and other critical minerals. These measures reflect a broader recognition that mineral extraction alone cannot deliver the structural transformation many African economies seek.

The issue also featured prominently at the recently-concluded third Russia–Africa Summit hosted by Moscow. African representatives emphasized the need for partnerships that would enable African countries to manufacture finished products rather than remain exporters of raw materials.

Russia, meanwhile, expressed interest in sharing technological capabilities and expertise with African partners. This shift creates opportunities for India and Russia to combine their respective strengths in mining, manufacturing, and technology to support Africa’s own industrial ambitions while expanding its strategic choices and bargaining power.

Combining Russian expertise with Indian capabilities

Russia has considerable experience in mining, geological exploration, mineral processing, metallurgy, and developing large-scale industrial projects. Its........

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