The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia are strengthening Africa’s position on the global copper map, as rising demand for the metal reshapes the minerals economy.
- The DRC and Zambia are strengthening Africa’s role in global copper production amid growing demand.
- The DRC is now among the top four countries for copper reserves, expanding influence through major industry deals.
- Zambia targets over one million tonnes of copper by 2026 and aims to triple output by 2031 through increased investment.
- Copper reserves are concentrated globally, with Chile holding the largest share and only five countries controlling most of the supply.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia are strengthening Africa’s position on the global copper map, as rising demand for the metal reshapes the minerals economy.
A report by Visual Capitalist places the DRC among the world’s top four countries for copper reserves, making it the continent’s largest holder. The country is also expanding its influence through new industrial partnerships, including a deal between state miner Gécamines and Kamoto Copper Company, a major operation linked to Glencore Plc.
Zambia is also consolidating its role as a key producer. The country is targeting over one million tonnes of copper output by 2026 and aims to triple production to three million tonnes by 2031, backed by efforts to attract international investment.
Globally, copper reserves remain highly concentrated. Chile leads with about 180 million tonnes, nearly twice that of the next largest holder, while just five countries control more than half of the known supply. Total global reserves are estimated at around 980 million tonnes.
In Africa, the DRC and Zambia anchor production along the resource-rich Central African Copperbelt, positioning the region as critical to future supply.
Rising global demand
Copper’s role is also evolving. Once primarily used in construction, it is now essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power grids, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. As global electrification accelerates, demand is expected to climb sharply.
Yet much of the remaining copper is becoming harder and more expensive to extract, raising concerns about supply constraints. This shift is placing countries like the DRC and Zambia at the centre of not just Africa’s mining sector, but the broader global energy transition.
