A recent report from the Washington-based United States Institute of Peace (USIP) suggests that the United States must refine its Africa policy with a focus on critical minerals, urging for an enhanced diplomatic and commercial presence in African mining hubs. The USIP group argues that such changes are essential to countering export controls and market manipulation by geopolitical rivals.
This call for action comes amidst the backdrop of the United States’ efforts to catch up with or rival China’s significant investments in Africa, particularly in the extractive sector. Notably, Chinese firms have a strong foothold in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they own or hold stakes in the majority of cobalt-producing mines. Given that the DRC accounts for over 70% of the world’s cobalt production, this concentration of Chinese influence raises concerns about market dominance and control.
Furthermore, China has solidified its position as a major trading partner in Zambia, a key African nation in mineral production. As the world’s sixth-largest copper producer and the second-largest cobalt producer in Africa, Zambia’s significance in the global mineral market cannot be overstated.
In response to these developments, the USIP report recommends increasing the physical presence of diplomatic and commercial officers in mining centres across Africa. This move aims to strengthen American influence and ensure strategic access to critical minerals essential for various applications, including electric vehicle batteries.
However, critics view these efforts as part of Western neo-colonial strategies aimed at maintaining dominance and exploiting African countries’ mineral wealth. By intensifying their presence in mining hubs, Western powers seek to assert control over vital resources, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and exploitation.
Ultimately, the push for increased US involvement in African mining underscores broader geopolitical dynamics and competition for strategic resources. As African nations navigate their relationships with global powers, they must remain vigilant against neo-colonial tactics aimed at perpetuating external control and undermining sovereignty.