EIB Global Partners with Andrada Mining and EcoGraf to Accelerate African Lithium and Graphite Projects under the Global Gateway Strategy

EIB Global Partners with Andrada Mining and EcoGraf to Accelerate African Lithium and Graphite Projects under the Global Gateway Strategy

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global has signed cooperation agreements with Andrada Mining in Namibia and EcoGraf in Tanzania to provide up to €2 million each in EU-funded technical assistance aimed at advancing early-stage lithium and graphite projects toward investment readiness as part of the Global Gateway strategy, supporting sustainable critical raw material supply chains for Europe’s clean-energy transition through engineering studies, environmental assessments, processing facility preparation and stronger links to European battery value chains, while both companies and EU officials highlight the strategic importance of responsible resource development, regional economic benefits and long-term supply security.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 11-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EIB Global has formalised cooperation agreements with Andrada Mining and EcoGraf as part of a broader initiative to strengthen the development of critical raw material projects in Africa. Through EU-funded technical assistance, the European Investment Bank’s development arm will support early-stage graphite and lithium initiatives in Namibia and Tanzania, helping them progress from feasibility towards investment readiness and reinforcing more resilient, sustainable supply chains for Europe’s clean-energy transition.

The agreements, aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, will provide each company with up to €2 million in advisory and preparatory support. This assistance is designed to address technical, environmental, and financial aspects that are essential for advancing mining and processing projects linked to battery materials and electrification industries.

In Namibia, Andrada Mining operates an existing critical metals project that has already demonstrated potential for broader resource development. The EIB’s technical support will focus on expanding the project’s lithium capabilities, including engineering studies, further mineral testing, and assessments of infrastructure requirements. The work will also incorporate detailed evaluations of environmental and social impacts to ensure that future development adheres to responsible mining standards.

In Tanzania, EcoGraf is advancing a natural graphite project positioned across multiple stages of the critical raw materials value chain. The technical assistance will support the preparation of processing facilities, as well as the implementation of sustainable waste and water management systems. The objective is to integrate the project more closely with the European battery manufacturing ecosystem, particularly for lithium-ion battery applications and advanced industrial uses.

Funding for this initiative comes from a dedicated European Union facility designed to support critical raw material projects in countries belonging to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The programme, implemented by EIB Advisory, prioritises technical feasibility, environmental sustainability, and stronger linkages between African producers and European industrial value chains.

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer emphasised that the partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to supporting strategic investments across Africa. He highlighted that early-stage technical backing can play a decisive role in transforming promising projects into viable, bankable operations that contribute to long-term economic and environmental objectives.

Andrada Mining’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Viljoen, described the cooperation as a pivotal step in the company’s lithium strategy, noting that the project not only strengthens global critical minerals supply but also delivers meaningful environmental, social, and governance benefits. He underscored that the initiative could significantly accelerate progress toward financial viability and long-term growth.

EcoGraf Managing Director Andrew Spinks welcomed the collaboration, stating that working with the EIB would help advance secure and sustainable supply chains for graphite and other key materials essential to the energy transition.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela reiterated that Europe’s growing demand for critical raw materials requires early investment in projects that meet high sustainability standards while creating local economic value. He stressed that such partnerships demonstrate how cooperation between Europe and Africa can enhance both regional development and the security of industrial supply chains.

Background information

EIB Group

The European Investment Bank (ElB) Group is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. In 2025, the EIB Group signed €100 billion of new financing for over 870 high-impact projects in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international win-win partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Team Europe and the Global Gateway strategy. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world.

Under its CRM strategic initiative, the Bank focuses on everything from mining and processing, to recycling and developing substitutes, in line with EU priorities under the Critical Raw Materials Act.

Photos of the EIB Group’s spokespeople and headquarters, logo files and video B-roll for media use are available here.

Media contact:
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+ 254 114106871

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SOURCE: European Investment Bank