Keypoints:
- DFC funds multiple strategic mineral projects
- Major push into Uganda, Zambia, Angola and South Africa
- Investments boost exports, infrastructure, and US-Africa ties
THE US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has announced fresh investments in a string of critical minerals projects across sub-Saharan Africa, significantly expanding its presence in the region’s mining sector.
This latest wave of financing includes grants, equity and loans targeting graphite, copper, rare earths and nickel developments. The moves are aimed at both accelerating African economic development and securing mineral supply chains vital to the United States’ defence, energy and tech sectors.
Big push into strategic mineral zones
Among the most high-profile DFC commitments is a $5 million financing package for Blencowe Resources, the UK-based firm developing the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda. The project received a $750,000 disbursement in July 2025, following a $500,000 tranche in May. A final payment of $250,000 is set to fund the project’s definitive feasibility study.
Orom-Cross is considered one of the most promising graphite projects in Africa and holds a JORC Indicated and Inferred Resource of 24.5 million tons at 6.0 percent total graphite content. The JORC (Joint Ore Reserves Committee) classification system is a globally recognised standard for assessing mineral resources. An Indicated Resource suggests enough geological data to support mine planning and economic evaluation, while an Inferred Resource reflects a lower level of confidence, but still points to strong geological continuity. Together, these estimates confirm Orom-Cross’s commercial potential and strategic relevance.
With a projected lifespan of 21 years, the mine is expected to supply battery-grade graphite critical to electric vehicle and clean energy sectors, while driving industrial growth and export revenue in Uganda.
Rare earths and green copper projects receive US backing
In Angola, the DFC has approved a $3.4 million technical assistance grant for the Longonjo Rare Earths Project, while a $50 million equity investment has been made in South Africa’s Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project. In Zambia, Chillerton’s green copper mining project in Kakosa is receiving $3.2 million in funding to support sustainable extraction practices.
Tanzania’s Kabanga Nickel Limited is also receiving DFC backing to develop one of Africa’s most significant nickel sulphide deposits, further extending the US’s strategic reach across the continent’s critical minerals value chain.
Additionally, the DFC has committed $553 million in loans to the Lobito Corridor, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at improving mineral transport across Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The corridor will ease mineral exports from inland mines to global markets via Atlantic ports.
Strategic alignment ahead of African Mining Week
The investments arrive ahead of African Mining Week 2025, which will take place from October 1–3 in Cape Town. The summit will include a US-Africa Roundtable, bringing together American institutional investors, African governments and private sector stakeholders for deal signing, policy dialogue and partnership formation.
Held alongside African Energy Week, AMW will highlight the role of US-backed institutions like the DFC in shaping Africa’s mining landscape and advancing energy security through diversified global supply chains.
From extraction to partnership
With these fresh financial commitments, the DFC continues to position itself as a key partner in unlocking Africa’s mineral wealth while reinforcing US economic and strategic interests.
By supporting projects that span extraction, infrastructure, and green technology, Washington is signalling a deeper shift from aid to investment—placing African minerals at the heart of a mutual growth agenda.
