As the energy transition accelerates, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are emerging as strategic shapers of global critical mineral supply chains. This webinar connects the dots between regional economic diversification, shifting trade and industrial policy, and the fast-evolving outlook for lithium, cobalt and graphite - the backbone minerals powering electrification.
We will unpack how geopolitics and resource nationalization are redefining access and pricing: from conflict in the Middle East, to US–China competition and export controls, and the growing wave of policy intervention in key jurisdictions such as Zimbabwe and the DRC. The discussion also examines how sanctions, trade-route realignments, and the Middle East’s positioning are reshaping investment and offtake strategies.
Join us for this timely discussion and gain insights to help navigate the changing market dynamics.
Registration closes on March 26 2026 11:59:00 PM GMT+00.FREE ONLINE WEBINAR STARTS IN
Speakers
Sarah Matthews
Metals Sales Specialist, S&P Global Energy
Sarah is a Metals Sales Specialist based in London managing key accounts across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. With extensive experience in international markets, she works closely with clients to deliver strategic solutions, build long-term partnerships, and navigate the complexities of the global metals industry. Sarah brings a strong understanding of regional dynamics and customer needs, making her a trusted advisor to businesses operating across diverse markets. As your webinar host, she looks forward to facilitating an engaging and informative discussion.
Francesca Price
Senior Principal Analyst – Critical Mineral Markets, S&P Global Energy
Francesca is a Senior Principal Analyst at S&P Global Energy, based in London. With a background in mining geology, Francesca has been covering the metals markets since 2019, initially focused on precious metals and PGMs, and more recently expanding her scope to cover battery metals and all critical raw materials.
Her primary focus now is the policy environment of critical minerals, assessing how political, technological, economic, environmental and legislative changes will affect these commodity markets, in the context of the energy transition. Francesca joined the Department for Business and Trade in 2023 as a Senior Policy Advisor for critical minerals, helping deliver high priority workstreams within the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy for HM Government.
Francesca holds a BSc in Geology from the University of Leeds.
Lukasz Bednarski
Principal Analyst – Lithium, Critical Mineral Markets, S&P Global Energy
Lukasz Bednarski is a Principal Analyst in the Metals and Mining Research team at S&P Global Energy, based in London.
He covers battery materials market with particular focus on lithium.
Lukasz has over 10 years of experience working in the commodity sector spanning physical trading, training, product management, and research.