EnergyMining

Southern Africa’s Critical Minerals Potential Hinges on Investment and Policy Reforms

Southern Africa possesses approximately 30% of the world’s critical mineral resources essential for clean energy technologies, according to a new World Economic Forum analysis. Despite this vast potential, the region captures only a fraction of global exploration spending, hampered by policy uncertainty and infrastructure challenges. Experts suggest that unlocking this mineral wealth requires strategic derisking measures and cross-border collaboration to attract necessary capital.

Vast Mineral Wealth Meets Financing Challenges

Southern Africa holds about 30% of the world’s critical mineral resources according to reports from the World Economic Forum, positioning the region as a potential powerhouse in the global transition to cleaner energy. The analysis, conducted in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and McKinsey & Company, highlights minerals including copper, cobalt, lithium, graphite, and platinum-group metals across ten Southern African nations.

BusinessPolicy

RTO Mandates and Policy Shifts Widen Gender Pay Gap and Black Unemployment, Reports Show

New analyses indicate return-to-office requirements and shifting federal policies are having disproportionate effects on women and Black employees. The gender pay gap has widened to its lowest point since 2016, while Black unemployment has surged to 7.5%.

Workplace Policies Reverse Equity Gains

Recent workplace and policy trends are disproportionately impacting women and Black employees, according to multiple reports analyzing employment data. The convergence of stricter return-to-office mandates and shifting federal policies appears to be reversing decades of progress on workplace equity, with sources indicating these changes are affecting gender and racial disparities in employment and compensation.