Traceability of critical raw materials in Africa

The European Parliament’s Committee on Development commissioned a two-part study (Technical and logistical considerations; Options for implementation) on traceability of critical raw materials with a focus on Africa, produced by Christopher Vandome and Romane Dideberg (Chatham House) and delivered to the European Parliament (PE 754.473, July 2025).

• Main action: The study maps existing traceability approaches (CoC models, bag-and-tag, digital ledgers, geo-chemical fingerprinting, artificial tagging) and issues recommendations for the EU and partners: standardise data-sharing protocols, support interoperability, fund R&D (Horizon Europe), invest via Global Gateway/EIB (Global Gateway: EUR 300 billion overall, EUR 150 billion for Africa), and prioritise inclusion of ASM in traceability solutions. It recommends concrete institutional roles (European Commission DGs, EEAS, EIB, Horizon Europe) and proposes licensing/recognition of acceptable due-diligence schemes as implementing acts.

• Background & details: The paper documents operational challenges (mixing/blending, corruption, infrastructure, energy and data gaps), technology limits (blockchain, AI, geochemical fingerprinting, artificial micro-tagging), pilot projects and funding examples (USAID Zahabu Safi USD 11.9 million; MSP-linked loans: USD 150 million loan for Balama/graphite; USD 105 million facility for Epanko; EU–South Africa investment package EUR 4.7 billion). Timeline/context: manuscripts completed 02-04-2025 and 10-05-2025; IEA/OECD joint report (Feb 2025) and policy actions (CRMA 2024, CSRD/CSDDD 2024, Batteries Regulation 2023) frame recommendations.