Bangladesh, Oct. 9 -- In the 21st century, the global race for critical minerals has become as defining as the oil booms of the previous century. Rare earths and other essential elements – from lithium to cobalt and graphite – underpin not only the worlds technological infrastructure but also its transition to green energy and advanced defense systems. As nations scramble to secure their future supply chains, Africa stands at the center of this global competition, endowed with an abundance of the minerals that will shape the next industrial revolution.

However, the story of resource wealth in Africa has too often been one of exploitation rather than empowerment. The continents critical minerals could either cement its place a...