Recruitment of Senior Researcher on Critical Minerals — ACET Ghana Program

African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)

Invitation for Expressions of Interest

Consulting Services– Individual Consultant Country: Ghana Trust Fund No.: P178045

Project: Support to Regional Knowledge Capacity on Economic Transformation, Resilience, and Recovery Programme

Consultancy: Senior Researcher on the Critical Minerals Project under the ACET Green Industrial Transformation Program

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) has received funding from the Transformation for Africa Partnership (TAP) Trust Fund administered by the (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) /International Development Association (IDA) and intends to apply part of the proceeds of this funding to payments under the contract for services for the above referenced assignment.

About ACET

The African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET) is one of the pre-eminent organizations in the world focused on advancing African solutions to African transformation challenges. Driven by a commitment to support governments in addressing the policy and institutional barriers that hamper sustained economic growth on the continent, ACET was founded in 2008 with the support of national governments alongside major multilateral and bilateral donors and foundations. ACET is an economic policy institute that provides research, policy advice, and institutional strengthening for African countries to develop their economies, reduce poverty, and improve livelihoods. To learn more about ACET, visit https://acetforafrica.org.

Background of Assignment

ACET’s Green Industrial Transformation Program is built around five key areas: critical minerals, renewable energy, innovation and green technology, digital public infrastructure to support green industrialization, and global engagement through task forces and expert reviews. The program responds to global climate dialogues, such as those at COP29, which highlight the importance of aligning national economic agendas with carbon reduction strategies. Governments are being urged to incorporate clean energy solutions into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), promoting a transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen. In line with these developments, ACET’s program seeks to position African countries at the forefront of green economic growth and transformation.

A major component of the program focuses on the management and utilization of Africa’s critical minerals. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the continent holds approximately 30% of the world’s proven reserves of critical minerals, including 30% of cobalt, 15% of manganese, and 10% of rare earth elements. The Democratic Republic of Congo dominates global cobalt production, while South Africa, Gabon, and Ghana lead in manganese. Despite these rich resources, most of the extracted minerals are exported to markets like China, with only a small fraction about 2% remaining within Africa. With global demand for minerals like nickel, cobalt, and lithium projected to rise significantly by 2050, ACET emphasizes the urgent need for Africa to shift its role from a raw material exporter to a value-adding player. The Critical Minerals project under the Green Industrial Transformation Program aims to generate knowledge that supports beneficiation, job creation, and economic diversification across African nations.

To support this initiative, ACET is seeking to engage a Senior Researcher who will contribute to shaping and advancing this critical agenda.

Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to contribute to writing a 20-page report based on the policy questions provided.

Scope of Services

The Senior Researcher (Consultant) will develop a comprehensive policy report focused on Africa’s critical minerals that will analyze the strategic role of critical minerals in advancing green economic transformation across the continent and provide actionable policy recommendations.

The Consultant will be responsible for preparing a 20-page analytical report (excluding annexes and references), structured around seven core chapters, an executive summary, and supplementary materials. The report will be grounded in a combination of literature review, data analysis, case studies, and policy benchmarking.

The expected level of input shall be 46 days over the period from August 20, 2025, to November 28, 2025.

Detailed Terms of Reference can be accessed on the ACET website at www.acetforafrica.org or by emailing [email protected].

Qualifications/ Shortlisting Criteria

• A minimum of a master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, mineral economics, industrial policy, or a closely related field.

• A PhD is an added advantage and may be preferred for highly competitive candidates.

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in economic research, policy analysis, or development planning with a focus on natural resources, green industrialization, or economic transformation in Africa.

• Proven track record of producing high-quality, policy-relevant publications, research reports, or strategy documents.

• Experience in regional policy analysis or regional integration frameworks in Africa is an advantage.

• Familiarity with a green economy, just transition strategies, or sustainable industrialization will be an added benefit.

• Prior engagement with international organizations (e.g., World Bank, AfDB, UN bodies) or regional economic communities (e.g., ECOWAS, SADC).

• Familiarity with global value chains, green energy transitions, or SEZ development models will be considered a plus.

ACET now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants must provide information indicating their qualifications and ability to perform the services (Cover letter expressing interests, detailed CVs). EOIs must be sent to the address below or submitted via the email address provided.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulation for IPF Borrowers July 2016 revised November 2017 and August 2018. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Selection Method set out in the Bank’s Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours (9:00 to 17:00 GMT)

Expressions of interest must be delivered via email to [email protected] or the address below by July 28th, 2025 , 11:59 pm GMT.

The Chief Operating Officer,

ATTN: Procurement Unit,

No 7 Yiyiwa Street, Abelemkpe

PMB CT4, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana,

T: +233 (0) 302 210 240, +233 (0) 242 436 858