China tightens its grip on Africa's battery gold, eliminating Western competitors.

Written by Omnia Hassan

communication  China Strengthening its influence in Africa’s lithium sector, in a move reflecting rising global competition for the vital minerals needed for the manufacture of batteries and electric vehicles, and with Western companies in decline, Beijing has expanded aggressively into West African markets, acquiring strategic assets in Ghana, Mali and Zimbabwe.

Rapid Chinese dominance

Zhejiang Huayu Cobalt Company emerged“  Chinese As a key player in this expansion, after announcing its assumption of the financing commitments for the “Ewea” lithium project in Ghana, in conjunction with a $210 million cash acquisition offer for “Atlantic Lithium”, the project’s developer.

Through this deal, the Chinese company seeks to tighten its grip on one of the most important lithium projects in West Africa, thereby strengthening its growing presence in global battery supply chains, especially after its acquisition in 2022 of the Arcadia lithium project in Zimbabwe for $422 million.

Mali and Zimbabwe are at the heart of the competition

Chinese expansion was not limited to Ghana, as Chinese companies intensified their investments in Mali, where Ganfeng Lithium strengthened its complete control over the Golamina project, one of the largest lithium projects in the region, with reserves estimated at about 267 million tons of mineral resources.

Hainan Mining also owns a majority stake in Mali’s Bogoni mine, which began exporting lithium ore at the end of 2025, an indication of the accelerating pace of Chinese production on the continent.

A US withdrawal paves the way for Beijing

In contrast, the Ewea project saw a clear decline in the American role after Elevera Lithium, formerly known as Piedmont Lithium, withdrew from the project. This decision followed disagreements regarding funding priorities and the partnership structure, which paved the way for Huayu to strengthen its influence.

The American company is expected to receive approximately $71 million from the deal, with its future strategy focusing on its assets within North America.

The Chinese financing model is superior

Observers believe that China’s success in Africa is due to its model based on the integration of finance, acquisition, infrastructure, and long-term supply agreements, which has given Chinese companies a clear advantage over Western competitors.

If the deal is completed and regulatory approvals are obtained, Huayu will indirectly control approximately 87% of the EWEA project, strengthening Beijing’s grip on one of the world’s most important strategic minerals.