Africa’s copper market is set for huge growth as new exploration and production projects are brought to the fore by 2025. Led by Africa’s largest copper producers — the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia — the continent’s ascent as a copper market is only set to firm up. Aggressive expansion plans, new exploration campaigns and modernization of existing operations in Africa are well underway in both countries to ensure that Africa’s copper industry remains not only relevant, but essential in the changing global landscape. Add significant investment from international companies to unlock undeveloped resources and power development throughout the sector.
The State of the Copper Market in Africa: Trends and Opportunities
Copper output across Africa nearly doubled in 2024, with both DRC and Zambia pursuing strategies to increase production. In 2024, the DRC was the fifth-biggest producer, accounting for 11% of global copper output, up 12.6% from the previous year, at a record 3.3 million metric tons. Much of the surge came from Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula project, a central part of the regional mining picture. With a new record output of 437,061 tons in 2024, Ivanhoe Mines is cementing Africa’s place as a world leader in copper mining.
Ivanhoe is spending $1.67 billion to increase output again, which it says will reach when output things at 240,000 tons in 2025 and 250,000 tons in 2026. They are also investing in the expansion of the Kipushi Mine, another key project with an extra $1.67 billion investment. Other key players include Eurasian Resources Group, which has raised $150 million in funding to expand operations at its Metalkol plant, as well as China’s CMOC Group, which is investing $2.5 billion to double output at the Tenke Fungurume and Kinsafu mines by 2028.
Zambia, Africa’s second-biggest copper producer, has similarly ambitious plans to grow its share of the copper market. Zambia’s government in 2024 began moving to strip more than 1,000 high-potential offtake licenses from investors, with the goal of increasing annual output to 3 million metric tons by 2031. Zambia’s growth story is powered by key projects including the recapitalization of the Mopani Mine, which received a $1 billion investment from UAE’s International Resources Holding, increasing ore production to 2.8 million tons this year. Significant new supply through expansion projects, led by the relaunch of Vedanta Resources’ $1.3 billion Konkola Copper Mines and $600 million Kitumba Copper Mine projects, has added production capacity.
Further Exploration Fuels Growth Outside of DRC and Zambia
And while the DRC and Zambia dominate, other African countries are becoming notable players in the copper space. Other countries, such as Namibia, have made strides on the Haib Copper Project where Canada’s Koryx finished Phase 2 drilling of the site in February 2025, validating the high-grade copper deposits found. Trigon Metals, which is supported by the European Union, is also fast-tracking development at its Kalahari Copper Project — more proof that Africa has untapped potential in the copper mining space.
These exploration projects showcase the continent’s vast mineral wealth, which remains relatively untapped yet has the potential to make Africa a significant broker in the global copper game. Such momentum is strengthened by the likes of African Mining Week, an annual event hosted in Cape Town. The event provides unique opportunities to see up to date industry trends, match investors with project developers, and discuss how to best leverage Africa’s mineral resources.
International Investments in Play
Africa’s copper market expansion is highly reliant on foreign investments which emphasize the importance of the content to global supply chains. Notably, Chinese firms have been the most active players, with the CMOC Group making significant investments in order to boost its copper production capacity in the DRC. Outside China, international mining giants like Vedanta Resources and International Resources Holding are also investing in Africa’s copper infrastructure.
This wave of capital isn’t just aimed at expanding production, but also at modernizing existing plants. Innovations in technology and sustainable practices are becoming the norm, keeping Africa’s copper industry competitive in a world market that is more and more focused on environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
The Economic and Environmental consequences
Africa’s copper-market expansion could have far-reaching economic and environmental consequences. In terms of the economy, higher production of copper will contribute to national revenue growth while creating jobs and enhancing infrastructures. Copper is an important input for industries ranging from construction to electronics to renewable energy, making it a linchpin of both local and global economies.
But the environmental consequences of each of these mining operations are significant. Copper production is one of the most energy-intensive processes and also creates enormous waste. Awareness of this is inducing many companies in Africa to become more eco-friendly. Recycling and renewable energy, to name a few, are some of the increasingly embraced practices within the African business scene. Such initiatives comply with worldwide environmental standards and contribute to sustainable copper industry aspects in the long term.
Future Outlook
African copper market on robust path, fuelled by investments, exploration and modernisation Africa will solidify its position as the world’s copper powerhouse from 2025 onward, as it diversifies its mineral resources to cater to rising demand.
The DRC and Zambia will remain the continent’s copper producers for the foreseeable future, with major projects including Ivanhoe Mines’ Kamoa-Kakula and expansions at China’s Tenke Fungurume. At the same time, new entrants to the market such as Namibia and Botswana are set to join the industry to help bolster the regions production portfolio.
The African Mining Week will continue to be a catalyst for collaboration, investment and ingenuity in the sector. Not only is the region fulfilling global demand, but Africa is also positioning itself as a pillar for the transition to a greener global economy as its impact on the copper market continues to be felt beyond its borders.
Through the potential that the continent holds through its vast resources, foreign investments, and sustainable practices, Africa can indeed reshape its copper landscape and neighbouring it, become a linchpin of global mining supply chain. Africa’s Copper Market: Bright Outlook In 2025 And Beyond Africa’s copper market has a bright future, and its transformative potential will be fully realised by 2025 in many ways.
