ABSTRACT This article analyzes the development paradox posed by the energy transition. It examines the interplay between Zimbabwe’s lithium potential and the dominant role played by China in the sector. Zimbabwe’s attempts to become a leading supplier of lithium through a series of policy interventions coincides with China’s growing electric vehicle and battery markets that fuel the mineral’s demand. However, power asymmetries in the relationship—as well as domestic constraints posed by weak state capacity, political economy challenges, and social costs of mining—limit the Zimbabwe government’s ability to translate its mineral wealth into developmental outcomes. This illustrates the broader dilemma of the global energy transition for producer countries: critical minerals do not automatically yield development; instead, outcomes depend on enhancing domestic agency and regulating external influence.
Veda Vaidyanathan (Mon,) studied this question.