Global demand for critical minerals like lithium is soaring to meet clean energy goals, and Africa, with its substantial resources, is a key target for foreign mining investments. However, countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, the DRC, and Ghana lack robust strategies to benefit from this boom. The African Union must expedite a comprehensive critical minerals strategy to guide negotiations and policy revisions, ensuring sustainable benefits. Stronger governance, transparency, and local processing incentives are essential to avoid corruption, maximize returns, create jobs, and support industrial growth. Building local capacity and industries, such as EV battery manufacturing, can make Africa a competitive source of low-carbon products, not just raw materials.