The MeTL Group in Tanzania is developing graphite projects in Africa to increase local value addition.
MeTL Group CEO Mohammed Dewji said this in his keynote address at the Standard Bank Africa Unlocked 2026 conference in Cape Town.
Graphite is a critical mineral used in electric vehicles, battery storage, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The real value, however, lies not simply in mining it but in processing it, he said.
"Within the next year, we expect to commission a processing plant capable of producing approximately 50 000 tonnes of graphite annually at around 95% purity," said Dewji.
"Our medium- to long-term ambition is to invest approximately a quarter of a billion dollars ($250 million) to produce 99.5% battery-grade graphite, creating significantly greater value here in Africa while supplying global markets."
This comes as the African Development Bank says Africa is becoming an increasingly important part of the global graphite supply chain. The continent holds about 24% of the world's known natural graphite reserves, positioning it as a key alternative to China's market dominance.
Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania host the continent's largest graphite projects, while several other African countries are advancing exploration.
Headquartered in Dar es Salaam, MeTL operates across 11 African countries in agriculture, manufacturing, trading, logistics and financial services. It generates annual revenue exceeding $2 billion.
Dewji said Africa has exported raw materials and imported finished products for too long.
"Every time we export raw commodities without processing them, we also export jobs, skills, technology, and economic value. Today, the world is paying renewed attention to Africa's critical minerals. Some have called it a new scramble for African resources. This time, Africa must write a different story."
Now in its third year, Africa Unlocked explores the practical actions needed to accelerate trade, investment and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
Hosted by Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking, the conference brings together more than 140 business leaders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs from across Africa and key global markets.
This year's event is held under the theme "Built in Africa: Amplifying Continental Growth", focusing on the growing role of African businesses, capital and innovation in shaping the continent's next phase of development.
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