US strengthens critical mineral supply chain investments in Africa

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The US is stepping up its push on critical minerals in Africa, and it’s doing so with more than just diplomacy.  

Washington is aiming to strengthen supply chains for batteries, renewables and advanced manufacturing while reducing reliance on China-dominated networks.  

Africa is central to that plan, spanning key reserves of cobalt, manganese, graphite, copper and lithium. 

The strategy blends agreements with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, plus memorandums of understanding with Zambia, Mozambique and Angola. 

The centerpiece is the 1,300-kilometer Lobito Corridor, backed by a $553 million US loan to connect the Copperbelt to Angola’s Atlantic coast.  

US development finance is also backing rare earths and graphite projects to diversify mineral supply.  

This isn’t just about today’s prices. It is a long-term race for control over minerals, railways, and trade routes powering the energy transition.