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Zambia has emerged as one of Africa’s top 10 countries with the largest coal reserves in 2025, holding an estimated 944.9 million cubic meters.
This places the country seventh on the continent and 45th globally.
The findings were revealed in a recent analysis by Business Insider, which estimates Africa’s total coal reserves to be in the hundreds of billions of tons.
South Africa tops the list as both Africa’s largest coal producer and consumer, with reserves of approximately 9.89 billion cubic meters.
Globally, it ranks 12th and operates one of the most developed coal mining infrastructures on the continent. Coal accounts for over 70 percent of South Africa’s electricity generation, primarily through the state-owned utility, Eskom.
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“While global attention increasingly shifts toward renewable energy and climate-friendly alternatives, coal remains an essential and controversial part of Africa’s energy equation,” the report stated.
Other African countries with significant coal reserves include Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Nigeria. However, much of these reserves remain underdeveloped due to limited infrastructure, investment constraints, and evolving global energy trends.
Despite mounting international pressure to transition to cleaner energy sources, coal remains a key, low-cost option for powering industries, generating electricity, and driving export revenue—particularly in regions yet to fully adopt renewable energy.
Nevertheless, Africa’s continued reliance on coal poses a dilemma.
Several international financial institutions have begun withdrawing funding from fossil fuel projects, while global climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, advocate for a swift transition away from coal-based energy.
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