Expertise France is a French public international cooperation agency. It designs and implements projects which aim to contribute to the balanced development of partner countries, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda and the priorities of France’s external action. Expertise France’s mission is to meet the demand of partner countries seeking to enhance the quality of their public policies in order to address the environmental, social, economic and security challenges they are facing. The agency achieves this goal by implementing projects in the main areas of public action:

 -     Democratic, economic and financial governance;

       -     Stability, international security and peace Stability, international security and peace

       -     Sustainable development, climate and agriculture

       -     Health and human development

In order to give substance to this dialogue and enshrine it in the long term and with a specific focus on the second theme of its declaration of intent, a total of EUR 2.75 Million in funding have been granted by the French Development Agency (AFD) to Expertise France in the form of a technical assistance and capacity-building facility to support the African Union (AU) on issues within its area of expertise. Based on a request from different departments from the African Union Commission (AUC), the French Facility for Technical Assistance to the African Union facilitated the conduct of a number of studies, strategy and policy papers aimed at supporting the AUC on topics related to economy and commerce.

Development of a Map Presenting the Africa’s Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals:

Africa possesses a substantial share of global reserves and production of Critical Minerals (CrMs) and Rare Earth Elements (REEs), many of which are indispensable for the advancement of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. These include, but are not limited to, digitalization, automation, cyber-physical systems, the internet of things, cloud computing, robotics, artificial intelligence, and additive manufacturing.

The minerals’ mapping plays a crucial role in stimulating exploration and investment, ultimately leading to the discovery of new deposits and reserves. This, in turn, benefits African mining industries and economies by supporting the supply chains of 4IR technologies. Moreover, accurate and updated CrM and REE maps are essential for the effective implementation of the AU Agenda 2063, as many previous surveys predate the recognition of these minerals' critical role in 4IR technologies and emerging industries.

Recognizing the strategic importance of this project, the AUC, through the Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), has partnered with Expertise France. This collaboration aligns with the AU's continental strategies for developing and strengthening mineral and mining sectors, while also supporting Expertise France's mission to contribute to the balanced development of partner countries. This partnership involves the recruitment of a Mapping and GIS Specialist to design and develop an interactive online map presenting Africa’s Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals.

Insights into the Development of the Interactive Map for Africa’s ASTCM Resources:

This assignment, to be executed by a selected Mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist, builds upon the first phase of the project, which was carried out by a Team Leader under a consultancy contract, and represents the final stage aimed at completing and operationalizing the strategic mapping of Africa's critical transitional minerals.[1]

The First Phase included (i) a Baseline Assessment and Plan to address information gaps in mapping Africa’s Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals (ASTCM) essential for advancing 4IR/Industry 4.0 technologies, (ii) a Strategic Roadmap for designing and developing the Interactive and Dynamic ASTCM Map, and (iii) the Final Assembly and Data Integration for the Interactive Map of Africa’s ASTCM Resources.

A key component of the First Phase was the analysis of existing initiatives related to interactive and dynamic maps for Africa’s STCMs. This analysis helped identify synergies, avoid duplication, and ensure efficient resource use by aligning efforts across initiatives. Additionally, geological data gaps were identified and addressed to establish a solid foundation for the interactive map.

The designation "Africa’s Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals (ASTCM)" appropriately reflects the essential role these minerals play in Africa’s economic, industrial, and geopolitical landscape, aligning with global perspectives on resource criticality. The term “Strategic” highlights these minerals’ importance in securing technological advantages globally, “Transitional” underscores their role in the clean energy transition, and “Critical” signifies their irreplaceable role in modern technological advancements.

The designation "Interactive and Dynamic Map" is consistent with the assignment’s scope and objectives. It emphasizes the map’s interactive features, allowing users to explore detailed data on STCM deposits, while integrating GIS technology for data visualization and population. The “dynamic” aspect refers to the map’s ability to reflect updates based on new information, which will be inputted as mineral deposits are discovered, reserves change, or resource estimates are revised.

Incorporating Rare Earth Elements (REEs) into the project scope is a crucial enhancement, increasing the map’s relevance by reflecting their growing strategic importance in high-tech industries. REEs are vital to the advancement of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, and their inclusion ensures the map comprehensively represents Africa’s critical mineral resources, reinforcing the continent’s role in the global technological landscape.

The rationale for creating an interactive, dynamic map lies in its ability to provide accurate geological data on mineral deposits. This data will enhance decision-making, improve transparency, support sustainable mining practices, bolster governance, and reduce investment risks. The map will facilitate Africa’s ability to capitalize on the growing demand for Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals (STCM) essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) while aiding the continent’s transition to Mining 4.0.

The map is intended to serve a wide range of users, including governments, private mining companies, transnational corporations (TNCs) in the mining industry, mine workers’ organizations, mining communities and indigenous groups, civil society organizations, academia, and financial institutions. Its design will enable the availability of up-to-date and accessible information, empowering stakeholders—both within and beyond the continent—to create informed policies that support decision-making and promote sustainable practices

During the first phase of its development, several key factors were carefully considered to ensure the map’s broad utility and effectiveness, including applicability, accuracy, comprehensiveness, relevance, reliability, and quality. These considerations are critical for ensuring that the map meets the needs of diverse users and supports its ultimate objectives.

As a result, the map’s goal is to assist in the development of new and existing STCM policies, focusing on three core areas: (i) ensuring supply reliability and resiliency, (ii) promoting exploration, production, and innovative local processing and manufacturing, and (iii) encouraging sustainable and responsible practices throughout supply chains.

Ultimately, the map’s development will support Africa’s industrialization and transition into a knowledge-based economy. By ensuring that STCM resources contribute to increased competitiveness, technological innovation, sustainable economic growth, and social progress, the map will play a critical role in driving Africa’s broader development goals.

By providing critical data on STCM resources, the map will support increased competitiveness, technological innovation, sustainable economic growth, and social progress, thereby playing a pivotal role in Africa’s industrialization and transition into a knowledge-based economy. It will contribute to the broader, long-term development vision outlined in Agenda 2063.

It is important to note that all research endeavours have limitations, which may affect the outcomes and conclusions. Recognizing these limitations is crucial to understanding the scope of the findings and identifying areas for future research.

Upon completion, the Interactive and Dynamic Map will provide reliable, up-to-date data that enhances strategic decision-making, supports policy planning, and advances Mining 4.0 in Africa’s resource-rich countries, contributing significantly to the global shift toward 4IR.

Key Functionalities and Features of the Interactive Map for Africa’s Strategic Transitional Critical Minerals (ASTCM)

• Interactive Mapping: GIS-based visualization of mineral deposits (location, type, size, grade).
• Data Integration: Regular updates from geological surveys, academic publications, and industry sources.
• Advanced Search/Filtering: Search by mineral type, country, and production metrics.
• Mobile Compatibility: Accessible on mobile for field-based use.
• Data Access and Download: Ability to download mineral datasets for further analysis.
• Statistical Integration: Includes mineral production and market trends for informed decisions.

Strategic Value

• Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages feedback from industry and government.
• Private Sector Collaboration: Supports transparent data sharing from mining companies.
• Refined Search: Advanced filtering for research and policy alignment.

Policy Alignment & Sustainability

• Compliance with Policy Frameworks: Aligns with regional and global mining policies.
• Government Data Sharing: Facilitates collaboration while respecting sovereignty.
• ESG Compliance: Promotes responsible mineral resource management.

Technological Integration

• Continuous Data Updates: Ensures the map evolves with new information.
• Data Verification: Combines reliable data sources for accuracy.

Map Development Methodology

• Mineral Classification: Focus on minerals critical for Industry 4.0 (e.g., rare earth elements, lithium).
• Mapping Criteria: Prioritizes minerals based on economic and strategic importance.
• GIS Technology: Creates dynamic, interactive visualizations for detailed exploration.