The scramble for critical minerals: financial challenges and opportunities for poor countries

The global race to secure critical minerals which are essential to the energy transition is reshaping trade, investment, and geopolitical dynamics. Many countries with rich deposits of these critical minerals - particularly in Africa - capture only a limited share of the value generated, notwithstanding their high levels of debt and despite facing significant environmental and social pressures.

Join us for a panel discussion focusing on the financing challenges and emerging opportunities for such countries. The panelists will examine the inequities of global supply chains and their impact on the poorest countries. They will also explore how financing structures, governance frameworks, and international partnerships can support more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

The panel will feature:

• Kamran Ahmad, Partner, White & Case
• Rabah Arezki, Senior Fellow, FERDI; Director of Research, CNRS
• Nicolas Niarchos, a New York–based journalist and author of The Elements of Power
• Estelle Youssoufa, Member of the French National Assembly for Mayotte’s 1st Constituency

Paola Subacchi, Chairholder of the Sciences Po Chair in Sovereign Debt and Finance, will ensure the moderation.