US Shifts Africa Critical Minerals Strategy, Funds Processing Infrastructure

The US is changing its strategy to secure critical minerals from Africa, planning to fund local processing and mining infrastructure to counter China's influence.

Sat May 09 2026

US Changes Critical Minerals Strategy in Africa

The United States is adjusting its strategy for securing critical minerals from the African continent. This shift aims to counter China, as the US acknowledges its current inability to process these minerals domestically. The US is now moving towards funding local processing and mining infrastructure in Africa, a departure from previous approaches.

Competition with China in Mineral Industry

Tom Haslett, managing director of policy for critical minerals at the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), noted that unlike China, which has "significant industry backing for both processing and downstream manufacturing," the US and Europe do not yet possess such capabilities. This strategic change not only offers opportunities for African nations but also highlights the escalating competition between the US and China over critical mineral supply chains.

*Source: SCMP (2026-05-09)*

Tags: #US #Africa #Critical Minerals #China #Resource Strategy