Africa’s Primary Aluminium Output Declines in 2024 Amid Global Growth

Africa produced 1.44 million tonnes of primary aluminium during the first eleven months of 2024, a 1.5% decline compared to the 1.462 million tonnes recorded in the same period in 2023. This contrasts with a 2.87% increase in global primary aluminium production during the same timeframe, reducing Africa’s contribution to global output from 2.26% to 2.16%.

Key factors driving the decline include irregular power supplies disrupting smelting operations, insufficient investment in new or upgraded smelting facilities, and rising alumina prices increasing operational costs. These challenges have weighed heavily on production capabilities across the region.

According to the International Aluminium Institute, Africa produced 133,000 tonnes of primary aluminium in November 2024, reflecting a 2.92% month-on-month decline from October’s 137,000 tonnes. However, year-on-year output for November remained steady. The monthly decrease was primarily due to one fewer production day, as daily average output held steady at 4,400 tonnes.

In 2023, Africa’s total primary aluminium production reached 1.594 million tonnes. To surpass last year’s output, December would need to yield more than 154,000 tonnes—an unlikely target given the current challenges facing the industry.