The European Union has just made the worst mistake in its history, dragged down by its unbridled ambition and its unspecified energy policy. This year, 27 countries have taken an unprecedented decision that has a direct impact on Africa and is motivated by the imminent lack of energy on the continent. What are they planning to do? We tell you about their project and the consequences it will have.
The European Union runs out of energy: the problem lies in raw materials
The European Union (EU) has been facing an unprecedented energy crisis, with soaring prices and supply disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has forced the EU to urgently seek alternative sources of energy and critical raw materials needed for the green transition.
With Europe’s own mineral reserves dwindling, the EU has turned to resource-rich Africa as a supplier. However, this push for new deals in Africa carries significant risks if not pursued sustainably and equitably. Critics argue that the EU’s desperation for new energy sources should not come at the cost of Africa’s development needs.
There are also concerns that rushed deals may replicate colonial-era practices, undermining trust and cooperation. As the EU courts African nations, it must balance immediate energy security imperatives with long-term partnership building. Crafting agreements that allow both parties to prosper will require care.
The European Union returns to colonial practice: African country to be drilled
The European Union (EU) recently signed a strategic partnership with Rwanda to secure supplies of critical raw materials needed for the green energy transition. This includes materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements that are essential for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy technologies, and electronics.
Under the deal, the EU will invest over €10 million in exploration and capacity building to develop Rwanda’s mining sector. The project aims to map Rwanda’s mineral reserves, build technical expertise, and establish responsible and sustainable mining practices.
For the EU, the agreement helps diversify its supply chain beyond dominant producers like China. Securing alternative sources for these materials is crucial as the EU moves towards its climate neutrality goals and needs larger volumes. The partnership builds on the EU’s Raw Materials Initiative to strengthen domestic sourcing.
The cooperation is also designed to promote responsible mining in Rwanda that respects environmental, social and governance criteria. By developing local capacity, the EU hopes to enable Rwanda to derive greater economic benefits from its mineral resources in an ethical way.
The idea is controversial, but not illegal: why this project could work in Rwanda
The deal with the EU is expected to support economic development and job creation in Rwanda. Extracting and processing critical raw materials locally could boost domestic industries and provide employment opportunities. The revenue from mining activities can also be used to finance other development programs.
Specifically, the agreement aims to promote investments in mining and processing in Rwanda, develop skills and know-how, and ensure responsible and sustainable management of the sector. The EU has committed over €10 million to help build capacity in Rwanda and support responsible mining practices.
Supporting the critical raw materials sector aligns with Rwanda’s national development goals. The country has abundant mineral resources that remain largely unexploited. Developing this sector through partnerships like the EU deal can drive industrialization, export growth, and job creation for Rwandans.
It is clear that the European Union has taken a wrong step, although we are not yet aware of any counter-reactions in the African country. In any case, we know that Rwanda is not a supplier of raw materials that meets the sustainability criteria of the 27. Once again, the energy shortage on the continent is leading them to make hasty decisions (no, it is not the first).