Laila Benali Calls for a Unified African Framework for Critical Mineral Exploitation with Environmental and Social Standards
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Laila Benali, has called for the adoption of a unified African framework for environmental, social, and governance standards in the field of critical mineral exploitation. This statement was made during her participation in a ministerial session at the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment held in Nairobi.
The minister emphasized that the success of the energy, digital, and social transformation in the continent hinges on the proper utilization of over 42 types of essential minerals. She noted that Africa’s needs over the next thirty years exceed all minerals extracted throughout history. She highlighted Morocco’s experience in this area, particularly the “Origin-Transit-Certification” initiative aimed at ensuring the exploitation and processing of critical minerals according to strict standards, which has the support of the continent’s mineral ministers.
Benali asserted that this initiative is part of a comprehensive vision for financing the sector and enhancing its capacity to address environmental and social challenges. She pointed out that Morocco is working in coordination with African institutions, including the African Mineral Development Centre, to harmonize mining policies among countries and promote transparency in supply chains.
The minister urged strict adherence to social and environmental standards, particularly concerning the prohibition of child labor, improving working conditions, and enhancing governance, which includes post-extraction phases. She highlighted the royal initiative aimed at transforming the Atlantic space into a hub for South-South cooperation, explaining that the Moroccan Atlantic corridor will be a cornerstone for the transit of critical minerals from Sahel countries to global markets, in a context that ensures environmental and social justice while guaranteeing fair economic returns.
Benali noted that consultations among African mineral ministers began at the end of 2024 regarding the preparation of a joint African framework for governance in the critical minerals sector. She emphasized that the official announcement of this framework will take place before the end of this year, which will strengthen Africa’s ability to impose its conditions in global mineral markets.
