MWE Correspondent
Washington is intensifying efforts to counter China’s entrenched position in Africa’s critical mineral markets, signalling a new phase of strategic competition over resources that are central to modern technology, clean energy and defense industries.
The United States is increasingly relying on strategic partnerships, offtake agreements, and financial incentives to secure supplies of cobalt, copper and other essential minerals from African producers, rather than direct mining operations. This approach aims to redirect mineral flows into U.S.-aligned value chains while reducing dependence on Chinese refiners and processors.
African nations such as Zambia, Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are key arenas in this geopolitical contest. The DRC alone accounts for more than 70 % of global cobalt production—a vital component for batteries used in electric vehicles and other advanced technologies.
U.S. strategies centre on creating transparent supply chains with legal predictability and governance standards that appeal to Western firms. In the DRC, for example, agreements involving Congolese state miner Gécamines are expected to channel roughly 100,000 tons of copper into American markets in 2026.
Unlike China, which has historically invested directly in mining infrastructure and held long-term extraction contracts, U.S. efforts prioritise financial arrangements that avoid the operational risks associated with mining in regions where security, regulatory frameworks and governance can present challenges. Western firms such as London-based Pensana have shifted rare earth projects to the U.S. under better incentive conditions, reflecting this strategic pivot.
China’s dominance remains significant, especially in processing capacity and long-established mining relationships. Chinese enterprises continue to move swiftly in securing deals and developing infrastructure, benefiting from both state support and years of engagement across the continent.
Also Read: Africa’s Minerals Now Define Global Power
The unfolding rivalry has implications beyond raw resource access. Western policymakers argue that reliance on a single dominant supplier undermines both economic resilience and geopolitical stability. Recent proposals discussed in Washington include the formation of a new trading bloc of allied nations to stabilise prices and offer alternatives to Chinese-controlled supply networks.
For African nations, the shift presents opportunities and challenges. Greater competition for their critical minerals can lead to increased investment and negotiating leverage. However, ensuring that local economies capture lasting benefits—such as higher value‑added processing and technology transfer—will require robust regulatory frameworks and strategic policymaking.
Experts caution that this new stage of competition is not merely about sourcing raw materials, but about shaping the global architecture of industrial supply chains for decades to come. The outcome will hinge on how effectively African governments balance external interest with domestic priorities, such as economic development, environmental protection and sovereign control over strategic resources.
