Lamola warns of new ‘scramble for Africa’ as global powers chase critical minerals
Lamola also criticised a global financial system he said continues to work against developing nations.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola cautioned that Africa is at risk of a "new scramble for Africa" as global powers compete for the critical minerals required for the green-energy transition. Speaking at an Africa-Europe relations conference in Pretoria, Lamola emphasized that Africa cannot continue to accept a system that benefits others while leaving its people impoverished.
The continent's vast mineral resources must be harnessed to drive industrialization, job creation, and economic growth, rather than being exported to wealthier nations.
Lamola rejected partnerships that perpetuate economic dependence and the extraction of resources without meaningful development, warning that if Africa does not address the issue of critical minerals with care, it could repeat the mistakes of the colonial era. He criticized the global financial system for burdening African countries with debt, forcing them to allocate significant resources to servicing debt rather than investing in healthcare and education.
The minister also highlighted the disparity in vaccine distribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing wealthier nations of "vaccine apartheid" for hoarding vaccines while leaving developing countries vulnerable. Insisting that Africa would not be coerced into aligning with any global bloc, Lamola stressed the importance of Africa maintaining its autonomy to forge partnerships with various countries and regions based on equality and mutual benefit.
He argued that Africa seeks genuine partnerships focused on mutual responsibility and accountability, rather than charity or paternalistic relationships. For African nations, the priority is to attract investment that goes beyond raw material exports, enabling the continent to benefit from European Union support in areas such as financial crime, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, and institutional strengthening.
Additionally, Lamola pointed to the potential of Africa's youthful population to contribute to the energy transition, including advancements in artificial intelligence research and development.
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