EIB Global Signs Africa Critical Raw Materials Agreements to Boost Lithium and Graphite Projects

On February 10, Africa critical raw materials agreements progressed further as EIB Global, the international partnerships division of the European Investment Bank, formalized cooperation arrangements with Andrada Mining and EcoGraf. Each agreement unlocks up to EUR 2 million in technical assistance, supported by the European Union through a dedicated critical raw materials facility. This initiative reinforces Europe’s external sourcing strategy while integrating African mineral assets more closely into the rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery supply chain.

Africa Critical Raw Materials Agreements Back Lithium Expansion

Under the framework of the Africa critical raw materials agreements, Andrada Mining will receive targeted support to advance its entry into lithium production. Lithium remains a strategically vital material within the global critical raw materials ecosystem, particularly as demand accelerates across battery manufacturing segments. The allocated technical assistance focuses on early-phase technical validation and regulatory alignment, both essential to scaling production efficiently and competitively within the evolving battery materials market.

Engineering, Testing and Infrastructure Focus

The cooperation package for Andrada Mining encompasses detailed engineering assessments, mineralogical testing, and analysis of supporting infrastructure requirements. It also prioritizes comprehensive environmental and social risk evaluations, reflecting the growing emphasis on sustainable mining Africa initiatives. By strengthening feasibility studies and operational preparedness, the Africa critical raw materials agreements are designed to fast-track lithium production capabilities while ensuring alignment with international ESG standards and the performance expectations of the EU battery value chain.

Natural Graphite Project Targets EU Battery Value Chain

EcoGraf is progressing a natural graphite project in Tanzania aimed at supplying lithium-ion battery and advanced industrial applications. As a core material in battery anode manufacturing, graphite is indispensable to cell performance and energy density. Establishing diversified and responsibly managed graphite sources is therefore central to Europe’s broader industrial resilience and clean energy objectives.

Processing Facilities and Sustainable Resource Management

Technical assistance allocated to EcoGraf will support preparatory development for downstream processing facilities associated with the Tanzania graphite project. The program also includes structured planning for sustainable waste management and water stewardship systems to meet stringent environmental benchmarks and secure long-term project stability. Through these Africa critical raw materials agreements, the project is positioned for integration into the EU battery value chain, strengthening supply security while promoting environmentally responsible resource development.
By channeling focused technical assistance funding, EIB Global is bridging Africa’s mineral resource potential with Europe’s clean energy transition strategy. Facilitating lithium production and advancing a strategically located natural graphite project under robust sustainability safeguards demonstrates how well-structured Africa critical raw materials agreements can enhance global battery supply chains while driving sustainable mining growth across the continent.