Africa’s lithium production will triple in 2024 compared to 2023 levels, increasing the continent’s share of global lithium output from 4% to 10%, market research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence states.
Increased production can be largely attributed to a surge in financing from China. Notable investments include $1 billion in Zimbabwe between 2021 and 2023 – one of the largest producers in Africa. Chinese companies are projected to be responsible for 90% of Africa’s planned lithium supply through 2030.
Zimbabwe will lead in Africa’s lithium production in 2024, with large-scale operations such as the 450,000 tons per annum Arcadia Mine. The country ranked amongst the world’s top seven producers in 2023.
Meanwhile, projects in Mali operated by Chinese firms Ganfeng Lithium and Hainan Mining are also expected to contribute to output while investments by Australian firms, including Atlantic Lithium in Ghana, will further boost production across the continent in 2024 and beyond.