AMDC Launches Lithium-Ion Afro-Hackathon to Propel Africa’s Green Minerals Strategy

The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) has successfully hosted the "African Green Minerals Strategy in Action: Launch of the Lithium-Ion Afro-Hackathon." This groundbreaking event was led by H.E Ambassador Albert MUCHANGA, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (AU-ETTIM), who officially launched the initiative aimed at harnessing Africa’s potential in the lithium-ion market.

The Afro-Hackathon attracted a diverse selection of innovators and entrepreneurs from across the continent, eager to contribute to Africa's evolving green energy sector. The forum featured the critical role of empowering African startups and MSMEs in the mining sector through comprehensive financial and educational support. This approach aligns with the Africa Mining Vision (AMV), which seeks to advance local enterprise capabilities and promote sustainable, inclusive growth beyond Africa’s traditional role as a raw materials exporter.

AFROCRATS Leading the Charge

The event also highlighted the fundamental role of AFROCRATS—African professionals with significant influence in policy and decision-making related to mineral resource development. These leaders are influential in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, value addition, and technological advancement within the mining sector. Their efforts include building value chains, promoting minerals-based industrialisation, and driving new technologies like artificial intelligence, green energy solutions, and advanced geological exploration methods.

The Afrocrats present at the event shared their invaluable knowledge, contributing to a vibrant discussion on building capacity and skills, and promoting regional collaboration through frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The panel featured notable industry leaders, including Felix Bob Ocitti (AMREC-PARC), Tshepo Modiba (AFRIVOLT), Tatenda Mungofa (Mureza), Tabi Tabe, Granville, Mecktilder Mchovu (WOOW), Nyasha Chasakara (SolarPro), Tashinga Kanyemba (Aurelia Resources), Thekla Mutero (EMAN), Keith Nare (Digging Deep), Idriss Mouchilli (COEGA), Ruvimbo Kadenhe (RUNE), and Apollo Buregyeya (EcoConcrete).

Inclusivity and Innovation at the Core

A significant focus of the Afro-Hackathon was inclusivity—emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for women, youth, and stakeholders across the mining spectrum, including artisanal and small-scale miners. Training in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), information technology, and geosciences was recognized as vital to modernizing the sector and preparing it for the challenges of the future.

The event also shone light on Africa's potential to lead the global transition to clean energy. With a focus on green minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite, the continent is poised to play a key role in the worldwide shift to sustainable energy, potentially creating millions of new jobs in the process.

The Lithium-Ion Afro-Hackathon represents more than just innovation—it is a testament to Africa's commitment to leveraging its mineral resources for green economic growth, advancing human capital, and building a sustainable future for the next generation. ~Amb. Albert Muchanga

Looking Ahead: Forging Africa's Lithium-Ion Battery Value Chain

The Afro-Hackathon showcased the capabilities of African MSMEs and launched key initiatives, including the Lithium-Ion Battery Value Chain. Discussions also addressed the alignment of educational systems with the sector’s needs, further strengthening Africa’s capacity to thrive in the global minerals development landscape.

This event hosted in partnerships with AUDA-NEPAD and AMIRA-PADI, demonstrating the collaborative effort driving Africa’s green minerals strategy forward. The comprehensive report summarising the event’s outcomes and the roadmap for the official launch of the Afro-Hackathon initiative will be availed soon.