Race for critical minerals affect African nations most, South Africa says

The contest for critical minerals is fueling geopolitical rivalry, creating challenges that are “more significantly felt by African nations”, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday in Beijing.

Ramaphosa made the remarks in his speech at a summit for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, hosted by Beijing congregating leaders from 50 African nations this week.

He said the forum “reflects our shared desire for modernization, development and progress on the African continent”.

(By Laurie Chen and Liz Lee; Editing by Christopher Cushing)