• India’s NMDC launches a strategic center in Dubai to boost mining acquisitions in Africa.
• A three-year copper and cobalt exploration campaign starts in Zambia, backed by India.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic tour in Ghana and Namibia focuses on securing supply agreements for key minerals.

Africa holds an estimated 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, attracting growing interest from global powers aiming to secure resources vital for the energy transition. While the United States, Japan, and the European Union intensify their efforts, India is now emerging as a significant player on the continent.

On July 1, the Indian state-owned mining company NMDC inaugurated a “strategic center” in Dubai to support its international expansion. NMDC is actively evaluating opportunities to acquire mining assets in critical minerals across Africa, marking a major step in India’s push amid fierce global competition for access to these key resources.

At NMDC, our global journey continues to gain momentum. With the inauguration of our Dubai office, we’ve unlocked a strategic hub to strengthen international collaborations and fast-track global opportunities. As we actively evaluate mineral assets, from coking coal in Australia… pic.twitter.com/2Yl2CSDnTf

— NMDC Limited (@nmdclimited) July 1, 2025

In parallel, India has deployed a team of geologists to Zambia to begin a three-year exploration campaign focused on copper and cobalt. Reuters reports that this follows Lusaka’s granting of a prospecting permit covering 9,000 square kilometers. While investment details remain confidential, the success of this mission could open the door to mining projects led by Indian public or private entities.

Other African nations are also in India’s sights. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a diplomatic tour starting July 2, with visits to Ghana and Namibia—two countries rich in lithium, rare earth elements, and copper. Dammu Ravi, Secretary for Economic Relations at India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated that negotiating supply agreements for these essential minerals will be a key priority during the visits.

This diplomatic drive aligns with India’s broader strategy to diversify its critical mineral sources, reducing its vulnerability to supply shocks. China’s recent restrictions on certain minerals, particularly rare earths, have accelerated New Delhi’s efforts. Launched in January 2025, the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) underpins this approach, aiming to secure stable access to minerals from both domestic and foreign sources, with Africa playing a central role.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa’s vast mineral reserves place the continent at the center of the global race for critical resources. While established actors such as the United States—with companies like KoBold Metals and Lifezone Metals—and Japan’s JOGMEC advance their initiatives, India is carving out its position as a rising competitor.

However, competition remains intense. The think tank CSEP’s report “India, Africa and Critical Minerals: Towards a Green Energy Partnership” highlights the importance for India to align with African priorities. This includes addressing local demands for mineral processing, investing in workforce skill development, and fostering regional industrial networks to ensure sustainable partnerships.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou