Business · Energy & Commodities · 4 hrs ago
Chinese investment grows as African lithium production expands
Africa’s lithium production has grown quickly, and the continent supplied 14% of the world’s lithium in 2025.
Zimbabwe and Mali are among the main sources of this new supply.
China is a major investor: companies based there own an estimated 65% of Africa’s new lithium mining capacity.
Chinese firms have spent about US$8.5 billion on African lithium assets since 2016.
China mines about one-fifth of the world’s lithium but handles a much larger share of refining, so overseas mines help supply its processing industry.
That concentration has raised concerns about the security of mineral supply chains, while African projects offer other countries and companies new sources to pursue.
Several Australian-listed companies, including First Lithium, Chariot Corporation, Australasian Metals and Askari Metals, are exploring opportunities across the continent.
Africa accounted for 14% of global lithium supply in 2025, more than double its share two years earlier.
Companies headquartered in China own an estimated 65% of Africa’s new lithium mining capacity.
Zimbabwe and Mali are leading the expansion of African lithium supply.
Chinese companies have spent about US$8.5 billion on African lithium assets since 2016, according to S&P Global.
ASX-listed explorers are seeking new lithium opportunities across the continent.
- Who
- Chinese mining and battery companies are investing in African lithium projects, while ASX explorers are pursuing opportunities.
- What
- Chinese investment in Africa’s growing lithium sector is expanding as production increases.
- When
- African lithium supply grew significantly in recent years; the article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Across Africa, with Zimbabwe and Mali among the leading sources of new supply.
- Why
- China’s lithium refining sector relies increasingly on overseas mined resources, while Africa’s lithium potential and China’s appetite for downstream processing attract investment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Chinese companies have spent about US$8.5 billion on African lithium assets, according to S&P Global.
Huayou acquired an 87% stake in Prospect Resources’ Arcadia project in Zimbabwe for about US$378 million.
Leo Lithium sold its remaining 40% stake in the Goulamina project in Mali to Ganfeng for about US$343 million.
Africa accounted for 14% of global lithium supply, and Zimbabwe produced 28,000 tonnes, according to the article.
- Africa’s share of global lithium supply
- 14% in 2025
- Chinese ownership of new African lithium capacity
- 65%
- Chinese spending on African lithium assets
- About US$8.5 billion since 2016
- Zimbabwe’s lithium output
- 28,000 tonnes in 2025, up 40% year-on-year
- Arcadia project deal
- Huayou acquired an 87% stake in 2022 for about US$378 million
Sources
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