Browsing: 4IR technologies

• Africa homes about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves, including 40 per cent of the world’s gold, 60 per cent of its cobalt, and 80 per cent of the platinum group metals.
• Mineral resources are a critical source of revenue for Africa.
• The interest in renewable energies in the mining industry arises from the escalating energy demand within the sector.

Mining in Africa faces ongoing challenges due to environmental degradation and social conflicts with local communities. Deforestation, land degradation, and air pollution are persistent issues linked to mining activities. However, effective prevention and mitigation measures can alleviate these impacts.

Africa’s mineral wealth is staggering. The continent homes about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral reserves, including 40 per cent of the world’s gold, 60 per cent of its cobalt, and 80 per cent of the platinum group metals. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for instance, with …

• Africa must invest in human development to catch up to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
• There is a need for policy commitment to developing Africa’s human resources.
• Investing in education is the only way Africa will catch up to the 4IR.

With the majority of its workforce unskilled, Africa is again left behind. At the same time, the rest of the World moves forth in the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).“African countries must support skills training and put in place the right policies to tap the benefits of the fourth Industrial Revolution,” advises Raymond Gilpin.

The economist believes that by investing in its most significant resource, Africa can strategically catch up with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).It requires dedicated policymaking focused on raising a generation of skilled labour capable of participating in and innovating digital revolutions in all sectors. By investing in transforming its human skills, Africa can …

The rapid snowballing of Africa’s rare earths metal production is set to become the world’s alternative source in 2023 and beyond, as global demand surges and world powers seek to wean off their dependence on China amid a new geopolitical multipolar world order. Africa’s vast reserves of rare earth metals have come under the radar of world powers fueled by the devastation emanating from the climate change crisis and calls for a drastic reduction in the growth and operations of extractive industries.

Furthermore, the race to net-zero emissions compounded by increased climate-induced natural disasters has intensified the green energy transition, instigating another scramble for Africa’s resources rare earth metals are at the heart of the race to green energy as well as providing opportunities for massive economic growth by injecting much-needed revenues to finance core socio-economic objectives in the continent.

Rare earth elements (REEs) refers to a group of 17 …