Zimbabwe powers ahead with Africa's first lithium sulphate plant

Zimbabwe has taken a major step in the global battery market as Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) announces that Africa's first lithium sulphate plant has entered the equipment commissioning phase.

The US$1 billion project, completed in just three years, is a state-of-the-art industrial complex employing over 2,000 local workers. Analysts say it positions Zimbabwe as a key player in the global lithium and battery value chain, critical for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Beyond industrial output, PLZ's initiative is delivering significant socio-economic benefits. Investments in local infrastructure, environmental management, education, and healthcare are reinforcing community development while supporting the nation's broader industrialisation goals.

"This project is more than just a plant—it is a catalyst for economic transformation," said a company spokesperson. "It demonstrates how industrial investment can create jobs, empower communities, and integrate Zimbabwe into strategic global supply chains."

As Africa looks to expand its role in the clean energy transition, Zimbabwe's lithium sulphate plant is set to become a flagship example of combining technological advancement with local development.