Surging Mining Investment in Southern Africa Drives Demand for Project Cargo and Energy Infrastructure
As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, Southern Africa is experiencing a surge in mining investment—opening up significant opportunities for project cargo operators across the region.
“The project landscape in Southern Africa is fairly robust and showing steady momentum,” said Duncan Bonnett, a partner at strategic research consultancy Africa House.
Bonnett noted that a wave of investment is flowing into energy-related minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, manganese, and various rare earth elements—essential for the global green energy transition.
“The scale and spread of investment is likely much broader than many people realise. There’s certainly no shortage of mining projects in the pipeline.”
While traditional mining powerhouses like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain central to the region’s activity, other nations are rapidly catching up.
Bonnett highlighted Namibia, Botswana, and Malawi, where approximately 20 mining projects are advancing from feasibility toward construction.
Meanwhile, countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are also attracting increasing levels of mining investment, further broadening the regional landscape.
Among the most promising areas for project cargo logistics is Mozambique, where there are strong signs that TotalEnergies will resume construction of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by the end of the year.
The $20 billion development had been suspended due to security concerns in the Cabo Delgado province.
“That alone is a R20-billion project, and all the signals suggest it’s back on track this year,” Bonnett said.
“It’s a long-term commitment, and in addition to that, there’s the Chevron-led gas project, which is expected to reach final investment decision next year.
Together, these projects represent two overlapping mega-developments—a significant and sustained driver of demand for project cargo.”
The mining boom is also fueling growth in energy infrastructure, particularly in the renewables sector.
Across the region, there’s been a noticeable shift away from reliance on national grids. Solar, wind, and battery storage projects are increasingly being integrated into mining operations—both new and existing.
“This shift isn’t limited to greenfield projects. Mining companies are increasingly taking energy matters into their own hands by investing in dedicated power solutions,” Bonnett added.
This convergence of mining expansion, energy transition, and infrastructure development is creating unprecedented opportunities across Southern Africa for logistics providers, investors, and industrial service companies.
