Africa is asserting greater control over the data and rules shaping its mineral wealth

What the report says

African governments are moving to exert more control over the information, licensing and trade rules that shape their mineral sectors, according to The Independent Uganda. The report says the approach combines expanded geological surveys, tighter mining-rights policies, regional cooperation and transparency measures aimed at improving how deposits are mapped and how resource wealth is managed.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials launched a three-year geological mapping programme in Kinshasa on October 5 with Spain’s Xcalibur Smart Mapping. The project will cover nearly 700,000 square kilometres and is meant to support a national geological databank, with authorities also considering different access rules for basic and sensitive datasets. The article says the DRC hopes better data will strengthen its negotiating position and attract a wider range of investors into a country rich in copper, cobalt, lithium, tantalum and gold.

The story also points to Zambia, where President Hakainde Hichilema has backed a national survey and warned against holding licences for speculation, describing a “use it or lose it” approach. Zambia is seeking higher copper output and greater regional coordination with the DRC and Botswana on standards, traceability and cross-border ventures. The report adds that transparency initiatives, including company-level disclosure and mineral-tracing efforts backed by international partners, are becoming part of Africa’s wider push to make mineral value chains more accountable.