Exploiting Africa - How China and Europe hunt for the raw materials of the future | DW Documentary

Summary

The documentary argues that the energy transition is driving a new contest for African resources, but that extracting materials for “clean” energy can reproduce old patterns of exploitation. China has established a strong position in many supply chains, while Europe is trying to catch up and present itself as a more responsible partner. Across the cases examined, local people question whether either approach delivers fair benefits or adequate protection.

Cobalt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DRC is a major source of cobalt used in batteries. The film follows workers in small-scale mines where conditions are dangerous and poorly regulated. Chinese traders buy ore at local depots, sometimes despite restrictions on foreign buyers. Cobalt from these mines can be mixed with industrial output and enter the same refineries and global supply chains.

Human-rights activists say unsafe, unlicensed cobalt reaches international markets. European companies may avoid direct dealings with informal mines, yet still benefit from rising demand and the resulting supply.

The film also documents complaints about large industrial mines, many of them Chinese-owned. Nearby communities report pollution, damaged homes, displacement, and health problems. Mine companies describe efforts to improve, but journalists and activists stress that lasting change requires effective oversight and accountability from Congolese institutions as well as foreign firms.

Europe’s response

The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and Global Gateway initiative aim to diversify supply and build partnerships and infrastructure. European representatives say their approach emphasizes long-term engagement, sustainability, and standards.

However, African voices are wary of Europe’s record and of promises that may not translate into local benefits. Some analysts argue that Europe lacks the capacity to compete with China independently and should consider cooperating on standards. Others say Europe must prove its values through faster action and by taking African priorities seriously.

Green hydrogen in Namibia

A German-Namibian venture plans a multibillion-dollar project near Lüderitz, combining wind and solar power to produce hydrogen and ammonia for export. Supporters say it could create jobs and income. Namibia’s government says the project will proceed only if it complies with the country’s laws and proves viable.

Residents describe repeated promises of development and frustration at being excluded from opportunities. Critics also warn that infrastructure could threaten a protected area containing rare plants, as well as the heritage site of Shark Island, where thousands of Herero and Nama people died under German colonial rule.

Environmentalist Brown questions whether an industrial project that damages ecosystems should be called “green.” Namibia’s leaders, meanwhile, say they must balance competing international interests and secure the best outcome for citizens.

Gas in Nigeria

The film contrasts Europe’s climate ambitions with renewed interest in Nigerian gas following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A proposed export deal with Germany could begin supplying gas as early as 2027, but journalists and community leaders fear the benefits will accrue to powerful elites while local people continue to face poverty, pollution, and insecurity.

The Niger Delta’s long history of oil and gas extraction, including flaring and environmental damage, fuels the view that new export deals may continue an extractive pattern rather than deliver broad development. Nigerian and European interviewees also criticize Europe’s mixed messages: it seeks fossil fuels for energy security while presenting itself as a climate leader.

Overall conclusion

The documentary concludes that Africa’s energy transition is shaped by a tension between promises of partnership and the realities of strategic competition, unequal power, and local environmental and social costs.

Presenters and contributors

No separate presenter is named. Contributors include:

• Casadi Kasango
• Journalist Lucien Kahuzi
• Patricia Kashala
• Christian Buenda
• Researcher Melanie Müller
• EU Ambassador Nicholas Belanga Martinez
• Rene Taska
• Ricardo Gora Gorsep
• A Hyphen board member whose name is rendered unclearly in the subtitles
• James Manupe
• Arasus Angula
• Lucille Adams
• Environmentalist Brown, identified in the video metadata as Chris Brown
• Journalist Tifa O. Labi
• Environmentalist Nimmo Bassey
• King Bubaraya Dolo