African continent: Rich land of minerals and energy sources

[Display omitted] •Africa: Rich in minerals and energy resources, driving global resource sector.•Abundant oil, gas, precious metals, and base metals reserves in Africa.•Renewable energy potential in solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power.•Responsible management key for sustainable development and equitable benefits. This review provides a concise overview of Africa’s mineral resources and energy potential. The continent is rich in minerals, including precious metals and strategic minerals that are vital for high-tech industries. Africa is home to nearly 30 % of the world’s mineral resources, producing a large percentage of the world’s output of certain minerals such as cobalt (70 %), diamonds (51.6 %), phosphates (79 %), uranium (17 %), bauxite (24 %), copper (12 %), and manganese (51 %). Additionally, Africa possesses significant reserves of oil, gas, coal, and renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power). Roughly 8 million barrels of oil per day are produced from African content, representing approximately 10 % of the world’s total production. Moreover, 6 % out of the total energy production worldwide (142 million TJ) are accounted for the generated gases in Africa. One of the African countries (South Africa) has the lead in the continent with regard to solar energy capacity, contributing a total output of nearly 6221 megawatts/ day. The review is also overviewing the shift towards sustainable energy options and the importance of energy efficiency strategies. In addition, it provides ahead-looking for effective energy planning and investment which is essential to meet Africa’s growing energy demands. On another side, minimization of serious impacts for environmental issues and introduction of promoting economic development are highlighted through this article.