Mining in Africa has long been a cornerstone of economic development on the continent but discussions about the sector often focus on large-scale extraction. However, a shift in perspective is gaining traction, one that highlights the importance of downstream industries in shaping a more sustainable and value-multiplying sector. Beyond raw material exports, businesses involved in refining, processing, logistics and supply chain integration are proving essential to unlocking mining’s long-term economic benefits.

According to the African Development Bank, Africa is home to 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, yet much of its economic benefit is lost when raw materials are exported without value addition. The move toward beneficiation, processing, and mining-related services is increasingly recognised as a way to capture more value locally while supporting sustainable industrial growth.

“As we engaged with more of our SME clients at this year’s Mining Indaba, we realise that there is a lot of work to be done through collaborative efforts, which could result in great value for South Africa by appropriately supporting the downstream services environment that exists in this sector”, says Abe Andries, Head of Mining at Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank South Africa.

Mineral-rich economies across the continent are placing greater focus on the transformation of raw materials into refined products, supply chain efficiencies and infrastructure investment to support these industries. Strengthening these areas is seen as key to enhancing Africa’s role in global trade and in ensuring that mining delivers a lasting economic impact.

In South Africa, the mining sector contributed an added value of approximately R202.05 billion to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. Across the continent, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is projected to boost intra-African trade in processed and refined minerals, creating more opportunities for local industries.

Despite this potential, businesses involved in logistics, beneficiation and processing continue to face challenges in access to capital and trade finance. Strengthening financial ecosystems, expanding trade facilitation and integrating digital banking solutions are seen as crucial to ensuring these businesses can scale.

A well-functioning mining sector is one where businesses across the value chain have access to the right financial tools, trade platforms, and strategic partnerships. With mining operations spanning multiple countries, the ability to efficiently move products across borders and into industrial sectors is a critical factor in long-term sustainability, as a McKinsey report reveals.

For Andries, “The downstream mining sector is a vital driver of Africa’s economic transformation. Beyond extraction, businesses that refine, transport and supply the industry enable job creation, industrialisation, as well as stronger trade ties. As a bank, we are committed to supporting these businesses by providing relevant and targeted products and solutions that help them start, manage and grow their operations. Through our deep understanding of the mining value chain and the industries that power it, at Standard Bank we turn possibility into opportunity for the vibrant businesses that drive Africa’s economy.”

Financial institutions play a key role in supporting and providing financing solutions tailored to the needs of businesses across the mining value chain. Access to structured trade finance, working capital and cross-border payment solutions allows businesses to expand, invest in sustainable operations and integrate into global supply chains. In an increasingly digital world, financial technology and digital banking platforms are also enabling mining suppliers, refiners and logistics companies to operate more efficiently, manage liquidity and navigate international markets.

Africa’s mining sector is evolving, with industry leaders, policymakers and businesses alike increasingly focused on how to capture more value within the continent rather than simply exporting raw materials. Greater collaboration between private and public sector players is expected to shape a more integrated and competitive mining value chain, benefiting not just mining majors, but also the businesses that process, supply, and sustain the sector.

A key insight derived this year from our many engagements with clients, is that in order to provide worldclass financial services to mining businesses in the SME market, our deep understanding of the sector is essential. We are hence committed to getting closer to these clients and deepening our knowledge of the SME segment of mining and its intricacies.     

With global supply chains shifting and Africa positioning itself as a leader in mineral beneficiation and trade integration, ensuring that the downstream market is fully integrated into industry decision-making is becoming an increasingly important conversation.

The growing momentum behind beneficiation, sustainability and local supply chain development highlights the opportunity for mining to become more than an extraction-driven sector, but a long-term driver of industrial and economic growth.