Zimbabwe, Africa’s leading producer of lithium, has announced it will ban the export of lithium concentrates starting in January 2027, in a strategic move to deepen its position in the global battery supply chain and retain more value within its borders. The declaration was made by Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando, signaling a significant escalation of the country’s ongoing efforts to industrialize its critical minerals sector.

From Ore to Value-Added Processing

The upcoming ban builds on Zimbabwe’s 2022 decision to prohibit the export of raw lithium ore, which aimed to stop the outflow of unprocessed minerals and push for the development of domestic refining capacity. While companies have since been allowed to export lithium concentrates (a semi-processed form), the new 2027 policy will block even those, effectively requiring all lithium mined in Zimbabwe to be processed into battery-grade products such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate within the country.

Chinese Investment Fuels Lithium Ambitions

Since 2021, Zimbabwe has seen over $1 billion in investments into its lithium industry, largely from Chinese firms, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, Sinomine Resource Group, Chengxin Lithium, Yahua Group, and Canmax Technologies. These companies have acquired or developed mines and started building processing plants in key sites such as Bikita Minerals and Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe. The plants are expected to convert lithium concentrates into higher-value battery materials used globally in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Why the Ban Matters

Lithium is a critical mineral for the global green energy transition, and Zimbabwe holds some of Africa’s largest known reserves. The country now accounts for the highest lithium production on the continent, making it a major player in the race to supply global demand. By banning concentrate exports, Zimbabwe aims to maximize its economic benefits, create local jobs, boost tax revenues, and develop an industrial ecosystem around battery minerals.

Government officials emphasized that this policy shift is not a protectionist move, but a proactive strategy to ensure Zimbabwe doesn’t remain a mere supplier of raw materials while other countries capture the bulk of the profits through processing and manufacturing.

“We are building a domestic lithium value chain,” Minister Chitando said. “We must not only mine the lithium but also produce it in forms that create jobs and economic strength for Zimbabweans.”

A Continent-Wide Trend

Zimbabwe is not alone in this approach. Namibia recently announced plans to restrict exports of unprocessed lithium and other critical minerals. Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa are all taking steps to add value locally to their mineral wealth, shifting away from the colonial-era model of raw resource extraction. The Zimbabwean government views this regional momentum as an opportunity to collectively build Africa’s influence in global energy and tech supply chains.

Challenges and Market Context

The policy comes amid global volatility in lithium markets. Prices for lithium carbonate and hydroxide dropped by over 80% between late 2022 and early 2024, prompting fears of reduced investment. Zimbabwe even temporarily relaxed its ore export ban in 2023 to help firms weather the price slump. However, with markets stabilizing and demand expected to rise again, Harare is moving forward confidently.

Critics have warned that rushing into full beneficiation could strain companies still ramping up operations or struggling with financing. However, the government insists that the nearly two-year window before the 2027 ban takes effect provides enough time for companies to scale up local processing infrastructure.

What Happens Next

The 2027 ban on concentrate exports is expected to accelerate construction of new lithium processing plants and possibly attract further investment into value-chain industries, including battery assembly and renewable energy components. It may also prompt negotiations between the government and multinational investors to align on incentives, timelines, and industrial policy goals.

If executed well, Zimbabwe could transition from being a raw material exporter to a key player in the global electric vehicle and battery supply chain, generating long-term economic benefits and technological development for its population.

Conclusion

Zimbabwe’s plan to ban lithium concentrate exports by 2027 marks a bold and calculated step toward economic sovereignty and industrial transformation. It reflects a growing confidence among African resource-rich nations to demand more equitable participation in global markets, ensuring that the continent’s wealth of critical minerals contributes not only to global electrification but also to local development, job creation, and innovation.

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