Lithium Africa is an exploration-focused company dedicated to discovering and developing hardrock lithium resources across Africa to meet the surging global demand for battery materials. Founded during the 2020 pandemic, the company positions itself as an early entrant into an underexplored region with significant potential for world-class lithium deposits. Through rigorous geological exploration and advanced technical methods, Lithium Africa secures and evaluates lithium-rich pegmatite fields, aiming to become a critical supplier of high-quality lithium for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
The company combines a world-class geological team with strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies to advance its projects in Africa’s most prospective regions. A 50/50 joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium, a top global producer, enhances its access to downstream processing expertise and capital. This collaboration also optimizes funding utilization, directing double the investment toward exploration projects from every dollar raised. Lithium Africa’s portfolio spans six African countries, including Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Zimbabwe, and emerging opportunities in Morocco, covering over 2,500 km². By prioritizing resource-rich areas and leveraging partnerships, the company seeks to unlock Africa’s lithium potential while maintaining transparency through active communications with investors and updates via its public channels.
Battery Technology
Lithium Africa operates in the upstream segment of the battery supply chain, focusing on lithium exploration and resource definition. Its core contribution lies in locating and characterizing high-grade lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite deposits—igneous rock formations rich in spodumene, the primary ore for battery-grade lithium. The company employs advanced exploration techniques such as geophysical surveys, chemical sampling, and diamond core drilling to map these deposits across its African projects. By analyzing exploration data and conducting detailed resource modeling, Lithium Africa ensures accurate estimation of lithium reserves, which is critical for downstream processors to produce lithium chemicals like lithium carbonate or hydroxide for battery manufacturers.
The company’s partnership with Ganfeng Lithium bridges the gap between exploration and production. Ganfeng’s expertise in refining lithium concentrates and its established supply networks ensure efficient downstream integration. This collaboration accelerates development timelines and reduces the risk of commercializing discovered resources. Lithium Africa’s strategy to target large-scale pegmatite systems allows scalability and cost efficiency, positioning it to deliver lithium at competitive prices vital for EV manufacturers amid rising global demand.
Recent Projects
In late 2023, Lithium Africa intensified exploration efforts in its established project regions while expanding its portfolio. Key activities included advancing licenses in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea through renewed permits and drilling campaigns that identified lithium-rich pegmatites. In 2024, the company pursued strategic deals to acquire a district-scale lithium tenement in Morocco, positioning itself as the first mover in a newly emerging region. Despite challenges in the lithium market, Lithium Africa capitalized on lower valuations to secure assets at advantageous terms, demonstrating its focus on long-term value.
The company also progressed toward its planned public listing, expected in the second half of 2024, which will provide additional funding for exploration and development. Recent exploration results from projects like the Simandou Belt in Guinea and the Togou project in Mali have shown promising lithium grades, fueling investor confidence and reinforcing the company’s potential to contribute significantly to the global lithium supply chain.
Investors
Lithium Africa’s partnership with Ganfeng—arguably its most significant strategic investor—provides both technical expertise and capital backing. The 50/50 joint venture framework ensures streamlined resource development while minimizing financial risks. Beyond this, the company aims to attract broader investor participation through its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), enabling institutional and individual investors to engage in Africa’s lithium sector.
Investor engagement is managed through a dedicated portal on its website, offering regular updates on exploration milestones, regulatory advancements, and partnership developments. The planned 2024 IPO underscores Lithium Africa’s commitment to transparency and expanding its financial base as it scales operations to meet the growing demand for lithium.
Business Details
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: https://li-africa.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91415416
