How are global powers responding to Africa’s push for local value addition in mining? What does Zimbabwe’s new critical minerals policy mean for countries like Japan—and how should they respond? Join us for the presentation of a new report by
Panashe Madamombe (LeidenAsiaCentre), which offers an analysis of how Chinese and Japanese actors are navigating Zimbabwe’s emerging lithium industry in the context of the country’s critical minerals policy and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
As demand for minerals like lithium grows in the global energy transition, this report explores the strategic, economic, and geopolitical stakes surrounding Zimbabwe’s efforts to move up the value chain. The report draws from fieldwork and expert interviews, and it puts forward concrete recommendations on how countries like Japan can remain competitive while respecting local industrialisation agendas.
Key themes:
- The growing importance of African industrial policy in critical minerals supply chains
- China’s lead in adapting to Zimbabwe’s lithium policy—and Japan’s lag
- Opportunities for rethinking risk perceptions and encouraging investment in local processing
- How the EU, Japan, and others might engage more effectively without falling into extractive models
The presentation will be followed by a moderated Q&A. This event is part of our ongoing
Asia Academy series, where we explore contemporary issues shaping the region today.
Practical information
- Date: Thursday, 25 September 2025
- Time: 16:00 – 17:00
- Location: Wijnhaven Building room 3.18, The Hague
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
- Language: English
