Tokyo: Japan’s trade ministry will step up its resources diplomacy with African countries as global competition heats up for key minerals indispensable for electric vehicle batteries and other products.

Japanese companies have been falling behind foreign rivals in launching resources development projects in Africa.

The government aims to enhance bilateral relations with African nations by offering them cooperation, such as in resources exploration and human resources development, to make it easier for Japanese companies to make forays into Africa.

Japan relies almost entirely on imports for key minerals used in the country. For heavy rare earth minerals, in particular, it is largely dependent on China.

Behind Tokyo’s eagerness to actively engage in diplomacy with African countries is its goal of reducing dependence on China for key minerals and diversifying stable suppliers.

Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is scheduled to leave Japan on Sunday for an eight-day tour of five African countries–Namibia, Angola, Congo, Zambia and Madagascar.

Arrangements are underway for Nishimura to make courtesy visits to presidents and hold talks with ministers in charge of mineral resources.

In Namibia, Nishimura is expected to convey Tokyo’s intention to help the country draw up a plan to establish a rare earth industry.

He aims to confirm cooperation in strengthening resources exploration in Congo, rich in cobalt, and Zambia, a copper producer. With Angola, he plans to sign a joint statement on the promotion of trade and investment.

In Madagascar, Nishimura is scheduled to visit a nickel smelter and discuss future bilateral cooperation.

The global trend toward decarbonization is driving growth in demand for key minerals necessary to make batteries, motors and other products.

According to the International Energy Agency, demand for copper, lithium and cobalt is expected to outstrip supply from around the mid-2020s.

JIJI Press