Africa Emerges as Key Player in Global Rare Earths Market
Africa Set to Supply 16% of Global Rare Earths Outside China by 2034, Fitch Solutions Reportsy
As the United States and European Union push to reduce dependence on China for rare earth elements, Africa is emerging as a strategic new supplier. According to a Fitch Solutions report published on October 21, 2025, the continent could account for up to 7% of global rare earth production by 2034, and 16% of global supply outside China.
The report, titled “Africa Rare Earths Outlook: South Africa, Tanzania, Angola and Malawi Set to Emerge as Major Regional Players”, highlights the potential of several Southern and Eastern African nations to become production hubs for 17 critical rare earth elements essential for green technologies and electronics.
South Africa Leading the Charge
Although no African country currently produces rare earths at scale, South Africa has the most advanced projects, with three major sites expected online by 2030:
Zandkopsdrift (Frontier Rare Earths): Located on the Western/Northern Cape border, the project holds 789 kt of proven and probable reserves at an average grade of 1.92%, targeting 17 kt per year of rare earth oxides over 45 years, including 4 kt of magnetic rare earths. Production is expected to start by 2028.
Steenkampskraal (Western Cape): Contains approximately 87 kt of rare earth oxides, with initial 5.4 kt per year of monazite concentrate expected in late 2025. Full-scale oxide production begins in 2027.
Phalaborwa (Rainbow Rare Earths, Limpopo): Holds 35 million tonnes of resources at 0.44% grade, expected to yield 1.9 kt per year of magnetic rare earth oxides.
Together, these projects could deliver 12.4 kt annually by 2034, positioning South Africa as Africa’s top producer and the world’s seventh-largest.
Angola, Malawi, and Tanzania Following Close Behind
Angola (Longonjo, Pensana): Situated along the Lobito rail corridor, the project targets 20 kt per year of mixed rare-earth carbonates, with 12.5 kt of magnetic oxides processed in the UK, starting in 2026, potentially expanding to 40 kt.
Malawi (Kangankunde, Lindian Resources): Expected to produce 8.3 kt of oxides annually, including 1.6 kt of neodymium-praseodymium, beginning in early 2026. Songwe Hill (Mkango Resources) will add 5.9 kt of oxides, processed in Poland to yield 1.9 kt of neodymium-praseodymium oxides.
Tanzania (Ngualla, Peak Rare Earths): Set to produce 16.2 kt per year of high-grade concentrates, including 3.6 kt of neodymium-praseodymium over a 24-year mine life.
Uganda (Makuutu, Ionic Rare Earths): Developing ionic adsorption clay deposits similar to southern China, a major source of heavy rare earths.
Other nations, including Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, and Zambia, are conducting early-stage exploration programs.
Africa’s Strategic Role in Global Supply Chains
With China supplying nearly 60% of global production and over 85% of refining capacity, Western nations are increasingly investing in African rare earths to diversify supply chains. Fitch Solutions predicts accelerated foreign investment, positioning Africa as a critical link in the global energy and digital transition.
Africa is now on track to become a strategic hub for rare earth production, supplying essential metals for green technologies, electronics, and the energy transition, reshaping the global market in the coming decade.
