Geopolitics and the Energy Transition
Political scientist and economist Gaylor Montmasson-Claire speaks to Creamer Media’s Mariaan Webb about copper’s growing strategic importance, the race among China, the US and the EU to secure supply, and why the changing geopolitical landscape could present a major opportunity for Africa. Video and editing: Shadwyn Dickinson.
The intensifying competition among China, the US and other major powers to secure future copper supplies is creating an opportunity for African producer countries to capture greater value from the metal’s supply chain, says political scientist and economist Gaylor Montmasson-Claire.
Speaking in the third episode of Creamer Media's five-part IN FOCUS series on copper, he argues that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are increasingly finding themselves at the centre of a geopolitical contest driven by the growing strategic importance of copper.
“Copper is not just a commodity anymore, it is really a strategic input,” he says, noting that demand is being fuelled by electrification, renewable energy deployment, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
While countries such as Chile and Peru hold significant copper reserves, the DRC is the world’s third-largest holder of copper resources and Zambia is also an important producer, placing both countries in a stronger position as governments and companies seek to secure long-term supply.
The full interview forms part of Creamer Media’s IN FOCUS series examining the supply, demand, investment and geopolitical trends shaping the global copper market.
Article Enquiry
Email Article
Save Article
Feedback
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here