Global competition for Africa's critical raw materials is intensifying

Munich, June 5, 2026

Global competition for critical raw materials is noticeably gaining momentum. Governments and companies are increasingly striving to secure access to the resources needed for modern manufacturing, renewable energy, semiconductors, defense technologies, and electric mobility. Against this backdrop, Africa is increasingly moving from the margins of economic debates to the center of strategic decision-making. This development is one of the central themes analyzed by Dr. Raphael Nagel (LL.M.) in his new book AFRICA 2050: The Continent That Will Change the Global Economy.

The book argues that Africa's significance for the global economy extends far beyond traditional narratives of development aid, raw material extraction, or international aid programs. Instead, it describes the continent as an emerging economic power whose demographic growth, urbanization, industrialization, digitalization, and resource base are increasingly influencing global markets.

Among the most important factors is Africa's role within global supply chains for critical raw materials. The continent possesses significant deposits of cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, uranium, phosphate, and rare earth elements, which are indispensable for energy transition technologies and modern industrial production. According to the analyses in AFRIKA 2050, these raw materials form a substantial part of the material foundation for the next phase of global economic development.

Current developments highlight how rapidly the strategic importance of these resources is growing. The United States, China, Europe, and other international actors are intensifying their efforts to secure long-term access to African raw materials. This is driven by growing concerns about the stability of global supply chains as well as increasing geopolitical competition for strategic resources. Media reports indicate that competition for copper, cobalt, and other critical minerals is becoming particularly significant in countries such as Zambia, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In AFRICA 2050, Dr. Raphael Nagel (LL.M.) argues that the decisive question is not whether Africa will transform the global economy, but how quickly this transformation will occur and which actors will be able to participate in it. The book examines how demographic growth, urbanization, energy development, digitalization, and control of raw materials interact and could bring about one of the most significant economic transformations of the 21st century.

The publication also challenges common assumptions about Africa and emphasizes the need to view the continent's diverse economies in a nuanced way. Instead of treating Africa as a single market, the book analyzes the specific opportunities and challenges of individual regions and countries. In doing so, it highlights industrial corridors, logistics hubs, technology ecosystems, and raw material clusters as key drivers of future value creation.

As competition for strategic raw materials continues to intensify, investors, companies, and policymakers worldwide are beginning to reassess Africa's long-term role in the global economic order. International consulting firms and investors are expanding their presence on the continent and point to growing interest in areas such as critical raw materials, infrastructure, energy, and industrial development.

AFRICA 2050 does not view the continent solely as a supplier of raw materials. Rather, the book analyzes the structural factors that could determine Africa's future position within global value chains. What matters is not only the available resources, but also ownership structures, processing capacities, infrastructure investments, and the ability to build local industrial value creation.

As global competition for critical raw materials continues to intensify, the questions raised in AFRICA 2050 are becoming increasingly important. The book is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, family offices, industrial companies, and policymakers who want to better understand the next major shift in the global economy.

More information on AFRIKA 2050: The Continent That Will Change the Global Economy:
https://www.raphaelnagel.com/books/afrika-2050

Tactical Management Germany GmbH
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80335 Muenchen
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Dr. Raphael Nagel (LL.M.)

Tactical Management Germany GmbH is an investment partner focused on companies facing complex situations or undergoing transformation. The firm does not limit itself to providing capital but actively participates in corporate management to stabilize, restructure, and strengthen the business.

Its approach combines operational experience with decisive execution, enabling the repositioning of companies and the creation of long-term, sustainable value, particularly in succession processes, spin-offs, or strategic realignments.

This release was published on openPR.