The event will be co-chaired by Professor Eka Ikpe (African Leadership Centre) and Dr Mark Langan (European and International Studies). The discussion will focus on the opportunities and challenges for development related to the extraction and processing of critical raw materials in the African continent. This will pay particular attention to new geopolitical initiatives such as the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. There will be opportunity for Q&A, as well as informal conversation over refreshments upon conclusion of the roundtable.

We will be joined by academic experts alongside three African ambassadors. They are Namibia's High Commissioner, Her Excellency Linda Scott; Zambia's High Commissioner Her Excellency Macenje Mazoka; and South Africa's High Commissioner, His Excellency Jermiah Mamabolo.

The roundtable is being convened by the Department for European and International Studies and the African Leadership Centre.

The event is taking place in K0.18, in the King's Building, on the Strand campus.