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| Japan and the UK are strengthening investment cooperation in the mining sector in Africa. Illustrative photo: A mineral mine in Tanzania. (Source: SCMP) |
Japan aims to pursue its interests in Africa by leveraging the network previously established by Britain, thanks to its traditional relations with many countries on the continent, through the Commonwealth.
Stabilize supply
The two countries have established a ministerial-level framework to carry out the agenda, which includes discussions on economic security, with supply chains.
Tokyo and London are looking to cooperate on developing mines and stabilizing mineral supplies. Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura will visit the UK and meet British Business and Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch on September 6. The two ministers are expected to issue a joint statement, including the launch of the Japan-UK partnership, along with a plan for a Strategic Economic and Trade Policy Dialogue.
The joint statement will set the framework for the first regular ministerial-level talks between the two countries on economic security topics, such as enhancing supply chain security. The ministers are expected to draft a joint document on critical minerals by the end of the year.
The move comes as it develops cobalt and nickel mines, materials that are crucial for environmentally friendly technologies such as electric vehicles and wind power.
Japan currently relies on a number of mineral exporting countries, including China. Under this framework, Japan and the UK will seek mining sites and set up refineries in mineral-rich areas such as Africa to diversify their supply sources.
In Africa, Zambia is a potential producer of copper and nickel, while the Congo supplies about 70% of the world's cobalt. Several countries are showing interest in the mineral-rich regions of Mali and Ghana.
In August, Britain agreed with Zambia to spend a total of £3 billion ($3.77 billion) on green development. Britain and South Africa also agreed to hold regular ministerial dialogues on critical minerals.
Ensure the chain also applies
Japan is also working to strengthen ties with African countries. Also in August, Mr. Nishimura visited five countries in the region, including Namibia.
In addition to minerals, Japan and the UK hope to establish a mechanism for early detection of shortages of key items such as semiconductors (chips) and storage batteries. Creating a framework for ministers to share information in a timely manner will help them prepare for potential supply chain disruptions.
The two countries are also expected to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining and enhancing the high standards of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which the UK has signed an agreement to join.
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