Cape Town: Vice Minister for Mining Affairs at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al-Mudaifer has called for urgent and more decisive global collaboration to expand mineral infrastructure corridors across Africa, emphasizing the success of the Lobito Corridor as a model for unlocking the continent's vast mineral potential.
According to Saudi Press Agency, speaking at Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, Al-Mudaifer noted that mineral infrastructure is crucial for securing the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. He highlighted the Lobito Corridor, a strategic mineral cross-border connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia, as an example of how investment in transport and logistics can enhance mineral development and trade.
Moreover, Al-Mudaifer stated that five of the seven mineral corridors identified at the fourth Future Minerals Forum's (FMF) Ministerial Roundtable are in Africa, signaling the continent's critical role in global mineral supply chains. He said, 'These mineral corridors will be our top priority for fostering development through infrastructure and ensuring a secure and timely supply of the minerals essential for the energy transition.'
Al-Mudaifer stressed that Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting African mining and mineral efforts through investment, knowledge-sharing, and strategic partnerships. Through FMF, Saudi Arabia is driving global collaboration in the sector, acting as a voice for underrepresented regions like Asia and Africa. FMF also showcases the importance of regional infrastructure in securing a sustainable supply of minerals.
As part of its commitment to Africa's mining sector, FMF's Ministerial Roundtable has launched key initiatives. These include the establishment of nine Centers of Excellence across Africa and Asia to build technical capacity and train young talent. Additionally, an International Critical Minerals Framework has been introduced to empower supplier nations in the global supply chain market, and investment in mineral infrastructure corridors has been extended, with five of the seven identified corridors located in Africa.
Al-Mudaifer also urged international financial institutions and multilateral organizations to unlock investments and funding in Africa's mining infrastructure, noting that the successful development of mineral corridors like Lobito is crucial in strengthening global supply chains. 'The energy transition requires bold action, and Africa holds the key. We must ensure that mineral-rich nations benefit from the industry's growth while securing a stable supply for the world,' he added.
Furthermore, Al-Mudaifer met with various government and private sector representatives to explore strategies for strengthening the African alliance on minerals. He called on governments, investors, and industry leaders to collaborate with Saudi Arabia to unlock Africa's mineral wealth and ensure a secure, responsible, and equitable supply of critical minerals for the future.