Zimbabwe lithium export ban signals revenue struggle

Significance

The measure provoked much speculation about whether it reflected renewed resource nationalism, amid increasing geopolitical competition for access to resources such as lithium that are vital to plans for a green transition. However, it is more likely that the government simply wants to squeeze the growing artisanal sector.

Impacts

• Efforts to expand the mining sector will not be enough for Zimbabwe to meet its aim of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2030.
• Deteriorating transport infrastructure and demands on mining companies to fund improvements will hinder efforts to increase mineral output.
• The entrance of Chinese companies could shake up a sector long dominated by South African businesses.