Mr. Tyron Breytenbach reports

LITHIUM AFRICA STRENGTHENS TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH APPOINTMENT OF DR. RACHEL HAMPTON AS VICE PRESIDENT OF EXPLORATION

Lithium Africa Corp. has appointed Dr. Rachel Hampton as vice-president of exploration, effective May 29, 2026. Dr. Hampton has worked in lithium exploration since 2019, with experience spanning the full spectrum of lithium deposit types -- brines, volcano-sedimentary and pegmatites -- and has been at the forefront of applying machine learning workflows to lithium target generation and exploration efficiency.

Dr. Hampton joins Lithium Africa from KoBold Metals, the artificial-intelligence-driven critical minerals exploration company, where she served as lithium exploration geologist. Prior to KoBold, she helped lead exploration at Lithium Americas Corp. (New York Stock Exchange: LAC) -- contributing core technical work at the Thacker Pass project (Nevada), running pegmatite and volcano-sedimentary greenfield and due diligence programs across North America, and advancing the Cauchari-Olaroz and Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes lithium brine projects, now part of Lithium Argentina AG (NYSE: LAR). Dr. Hampton holds a PhD from the University of Oregon, where her research combined machine learning with geochemistry to understand the emplacement mechanics of large igneous systems -- work directly applicable to pegmatite-hosted lithium systems -- and is the lead author of a 2025 Economic Geology paper on machine learning applications in sedimentary lithium exploration. She also holds a bachelor's degree in earth and planetary sciences from Harvard University.

Dr. Thomas Benson, director of Lithium Africa, commented: "I have known Rachel for over a decade, and what sets her apart is the way she works -- translating sharp observations in the field into the data-driven algorithms that point us to the next discovery, with an energy that pulls teams along with her. Bringing that approach to our African portfolio is exactly what this stage of the company requires."

Tyron Breytenbach, chief executive officer of Lithium Africa, added: "Rachel is a powerful addition to the strong African geological team we already have on the ground, and her arrival comes at the right moment as we expand our exploration footprint across the continent. We are delighted to welcome her to Lithium Africa."

Dr. Hampton will oversee the company's exploration programs across Africa, including the Adzope project in Ivory Coast and the Springbok project in South Africa. Her appointment supports the company's objective of expanding its exploration pipeline through systematic, data-driven target generation.

Ben Gelber will transition from his role as VP of exploration and will continue to act as a consultant of the company. The company thanks Mr. Gelber for his service.

Restricted share unit (RSU) grant

On commencement of her appointment, Dr. Hampton will be granted 200,000 restricted share units (RSUs) of the company, subject to the terms of the company's equity incentive plan and acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Lithium Africa Corp.

Lithium Africa has established a 50/50 joint venture partnership with GFL International Co. Ltd. to advance lithium exploration across Africa. Through this partnership, the company holds an indirect 50-per-cent interest in a portfolio of hard rock lithium assets across South Africa, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali and Zimbabwe.

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