The Impact of Resource Nationalism on Africa’s Critical-Minerals Policy

Abstract

The accelerated global transition toward low-carbon energy systems has greatly amplified demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare-earth elements, drawing unprecedented attention to Africa’s abundant reserves. Intensifying geopolitical rivalry has prompted many states to recalibrate mineral policies in pursuit of supply-chain security. Against this backdrop, an observable resurgence of resource nationalism has driven African governments to tighten control over minerals and increase domestic revenue. Employing case-study and policy-analysis approach, this article traces the conceptual evolution of resource nationalism and interrogates its contemporary manifestations across selected African jurisdictions. It systematically examines fiscal instruments, legislative revisions and cooperative frameworks adopted by leading producer countries. The findings indicate that today’s African resource nationalism departs from earlier waves of wholesale nationalization: policymakers now seek a delicate equilibrium amid great-power competition, deploy price-responsive and finely calibrated interventions, and forge transnational partnerships among states with convergent interests. The analysis also identifies persistent vulnerabilities—political turnover, security threats, technological deficits and escalating ESG compliance costs—that could undermine policy efficacy. This study aims to explore the characteristics and impacts of key mineral policies in African countries under the influence of resource nationalism, providing references for transnational capital to identify policy risks and for African countries to optimize resource governance, thereby contributing to the fairness and sustainable development of the global critical mineral supply chain.