The scramble for critical minerals: financial challenges and opportunities for poor countries

  • Date(s)April 09, 2026
  • LocationParis
  • Organiser(s)Paris School of International Affairs; Sciences Po Chair in Sovereign Debt and Finance

April 09, 2026, Paris

A panel discussion will focus on the financing challenges and emerging opportunities facing these countries. Panelists will examine inequalities in global supply chains and their impact on the poorest nations. They will also explore how financing models, governance frameworks, and international partnerships can foster more inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

The global race to secure critical minerals which are essential to the energy transition is reshaping trade, investment, and geopolitical dynamics. Many countries with rich deposits of these critical minerals - particularly in Africa - capture only a limited share of the value generated, notwithstanding their high levels of debt and despite facing significant environmental and social pressures.

Speakers

Moderator: Paola Subacchi, Chairholder of the Sciences Po Chair in Sovereign Debt and Finance

Panelists:

  • Kamran Ahmad, Partner, White & Case
  • Rabah Arezki, Senior Fellow, FERDI; Director of Research, CNRS
  • Nicolas Niarchos, a New York–based journalist and author of The Elements of Power
  • Estelle Youssoufa, Member of the French National Assembly for Mayotte’s 1st Constituency



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