Mali is poised to become Africa’s second-largest lithium producer in 2025, trailing only Zimbabwe, as the West African nation ramps up investments in its fast-growing mining sector.
According to industry projections, Mali is expected to contribute 14% of the continent’s total mined lithium output next year, reflecting the country’s accelerating drive to diversify its mineral economy and tap into the global demand for critical energy transition minerals.
In a major boost to this ambition, President General Assimi Goïta has officially inaugurated Mali’s second-largest lithium refinery, a milestone project aimed at enhancing local value addition, job creation, and export capacity.
The facility is part of Mali’s broader strategy to move beyond raw material exports by refining and processing lithium domestically—positioning the country as a key player in the global electric vehicle and battery supply chain.
Zimbabwe currently leads Africa’s lithium production, hosting some of the continent’s largest deposits and operating several active mines. Mali’s rapid emergence signals an expanding regional footprint for Africa in the global lithium market, as governments across the continent seek to capitalize on the growing demand for green energy minerals.
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— Ranks Africa Energy & Mining Desk
