The United States has intensified its push to secure critical minerals from Africa, as the administration of Donald Trump accelerates efforts to reduce dependence on China and strengthen American supply chains for energy transition and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Strategic resources move centre stage
Washington’s renewed focus is aimed squarely at minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements — materials essential for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and defence systems. Senior US officials have increased diplomatic engagement across the continent, promoting investment partnerships, infrastructure support, and processing capacity as alternatives to China’s long-established presence.
Africa holds some of the world’s richest untapped reserves, making it central to global competition over the raw inputs of future economies. The administration argues that closer cooperation can help African nations capture more value locally, while also providing the US with more diversified and resilient supply chains.
From aid to asset security
Unlike earlier development-led approaches, the current strategy frames minerals as strategic assets. US agencies are backing projects designed to move beyond extraction alone, encouraging refining and downstream manufacturing in African markets. Officials say this model offers host countries jobs, technology transfer, and long-term revenue stability, while giving American companies access to ethically sourced materials.
The push comes as global demand for battery metals continues to rise, driven by electric mobility and renewable energy storage. At the same time, policymakers in Washington have grown increasingly concerned about China’s dominance in mineral processing and its ability to leverage supply as a geopolitical tool.
China’s entrenched position
Beijing has spent more than a decade building infrastructure, financing mines, and securing offtake agreements across multiple African states. Chinese firms now control significant shares of cobalt production and rare earth processing, placing them at the heart of global clean-tech supply chains.
US officials acknowledge that closing this gap will take time. Rather than attempting to displace China outright, the strategy focuses on offering alternative capital sources, higher environmental standards, and stronger governance frameworks — positioning American partnerships as transparent and mutually beneficial.
African governments weigh their options
For African nations, the renewed attention presents both opportunity and risk. Leaders are seeking to avoid repeating past cycles where natural resources generated limited domestic benefit. Several governments have signalled interest in policies that require local processing, skills development, and equity participation.
At the same time, analysts warn that intensified competition between global powers could place pressure on regulatory systems and fuel political volatility if not carefully managed. Resource-rich states are increasingly aware of their bargaining power — and are demanding better terms.
Implications for markets and industry
For investors, the US pivot underscores how critical minerals have moved from niche commodities to strategic macro assets. Mining equities, processing technology providers, and logistics firms are all likely to see heightened interest as governments mobilise capital around supply security.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, are watching closely. Stable access to battery-grade materials is now viewed as a prerequisite for scaling electric vehicles, grid storage, and next-generation electronics.
The broader message is clear: the race for Africa’s minerals is no longer just about growth — it is about geopolitical positioning in a world where energy systems and digital infrastructure are being rapidly reshaped.
As Washington deepens its outreach and African states assert greater control over their resources, the continent is emerging as one of the defining arenas of 21st-century economic diplomacy.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 17 February 2026
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