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In June, the leaders of the G7 nations and the EU convened in Kananaskis, Canada, to develop a shared agenda on securing the future of critical minerals. The Critical Minerals Action Plan, a framework for ensuring ethical and robust supply chains, was introduced at the end of the three-day summit. They also agreed on applying strategic policies, such as price floors and joint procurement to reduce reliance on China, which accounts for more than 70 percent of global rare earth mining.
This shift represents a great opportunity for countries such as ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ, Morocco, Egypt and Turkiye, which have significant reserves of critical minerals and growing industrial ambitions, to strengthen their role in global supply chains and position themselves as regional hubs for critical minerals in the green economy.
Morocco, which holds about 70 percent of the world’s phosphate reserves, is an advanced link in the global electric vehicle supply chain. Beyond its dominance in cobalt output, Morocco is attracting major Asian partners: Sino-Moroccan COBCO launched EV battery material production at Jorf Lasfar in June, Taiwan’s Aleees last month announced a lithium iron phosphate cathode plant, and China’s Gotion High-Tech is developing a battery gigafactory near Kenitra, due to start production in 2026.
Meanwhile, Egypt is rapidly advancing its phosphate and potash sectors, with phosphate ore output increasing from 11 million to 16 million tonnes between July 2024 and April 2025. It wants its mining sector to contribute 6 percent of gross domestic product by 2030. Cairo is also advancing strategic partnerships in the sector, such as its July agreement with Saudi-based Al-Haitham Mining for a phosphoric acid plant and a deal with China’s Asia-Potash to explore new reserves, which both reflect its push to further integrate into mining and industrial value chains.
Added to this is Turkiye, which commands 73 percent of global boron reserves. In addition, Ankara’s 2022 discovery of the world’s second-largest rare earth deposit at Beylikova strengthened its standing in high-tech sectors. With a view to balancing its ties between Beijing and Washington, Turkiye in 2024 signed a mining memorandum of understanding with China and joined the US-led Minerals Security Partnership.
ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ also has ambitious plans in the sector. The Kingdom holds critical mineral reserves valued at about $2.5 trillion. The Arabian Shield, a geological formation that spans more than 600,000 sq. km and contains at least 48 minerals, is key to its exploration efforts. As such, ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ is developing a rare earths processing hub to diversify its economy and shift to clean energy.
As part of Saudi Vision 2030, mining is the third pillar of the national economy. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has pledged about $100 billion in investments by 2035. Exploration spending has grown at an annual rate of 32 percent and partnerships with diverse international powers continue to expand, reflecting Riyadh’s commitment to transform its mining sector into a hub of long-term economic resilience.

ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ is developing a rare earths processing hub to diversify its economy and shift to clean energy.

Zaid M. Belbagi

The establishment of prominent strategic alliances is at the heart of this transformative shift. The US-based MP Materials and ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ’s national mining company Ma’aden signed a memorandum of understanding in May to jointly build a local supply chain, from mining to magnet production, using the nation’s renewable energy for processing. To establish ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ as a major participant in the lithium supply chain, Ma’aden and Saudi Aramco plan to establish a joint venture with the goal of producing commercial lithium from oilfield brines by 2027.
As regional powers intensify their efforts to strengthen their position in the global race for critical minerals, the UAE is a particularly insightful case study of how a nation with limited domestic mineral resources can still assert influence in this global competition, notably through mining investments and projects in Africa. In fact, Africa holds an estimated 30 percent of the world’s proven critical mineral reserves, making it a strategic hub for the UAE’s expansion.
Emirati companies have significantly increased their presence in Africa’s mining sector. Their investments between 2019 and 2023 exceeded $110 billion. A prime example is the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which owns a 10 percent stake in Mozambique’s Rovuma gas basin. Moreover, Dubai’s Alpha MBM is in charge of building Uganda’s first oil refinery, a major project worth $4 billion.
The UAE is steadily advancing its role in Africa’s critical minerals sector amid intensifying great power competition. Its strategy extends beyond mining to include port investments along key maritime corridors, stakes in energy projects from oil and gas to renewables, and the cultivation of security partnerships in strategically pivotal regions, such as the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
What is emerging in the Middle East and North Africa is a significant geopolitical contest, in which the region’s power players are competing for leadership in the critical minerals sector. These minerals, central to the global energy transition, have become the new currency of influence. Countries such as ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ, Morocco, Turkiye and Egypt are emerging as leaders in the region’s growing focus on mineral resources.
However, the race for critical minerals involves more than just securing resources. It also includes shaping the future of green energy and technology. In this situation, the success of the MENA region will depend on its ability to deliver sustainable projects, build lasting partnerships and maintain a prominent position in the global shift toward a low-carbon future.

• Zaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council. X: @Moulay_Zaid