IN a new report, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) emphasised the pressing necessity for the United States to enhance its commercial relationships with African countries to diminish its reliance on China for crucial minerals. The report underscored that the economic and national security of the US hinge on securing a steady supply of critical minerals, many of which are abundant in Africa.
‘US economic and national security depend on securing a reliable supply of critical minerals, including from Africa,’ stated the USIP report.
According to the 76-page report released on Tuesday, the US is perilously dependent on ‘foreign entities of concern,’ predominantly China, for essential critical minerals. This dependence leaves the US vulnerable to potential export restrictions imposed by China.
‘While Western mining companies are lagging behind Chinese rivals in tapping into Africa’s abundant mineral resources, these resources are vital for various sectors, ranging from electric vehicle manufacturing to defence industries,’ the report emphasised.
To offset China’s dominance in Africa, the report calls for Washington to adopt a more assertive approach in commercial diplomacy, focusing on fostering partnerships for critical minerals in Africa.
‘One option for the US would be to increase commercial diplomacy in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, the world’s No. 1 cobalt supplier, and Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer,’ the report recommended.
The report also suggests that the reopening of the US consulate in Lubumbashi, Congo, which closed in the 1990s, could facilitate US investment in the region.
‘The government also needs to prioritise full development of a memorandum of understanding with Congo and Zambia which could help guide US private investors across the battery metals supply chain,’ the report added.
Despite recent initiatives such as backing the Lobito Corridor, a crucial rail link facilitating the export of metals through Angola’s Lobito port, the US remains significantly behind China in critical minerals investment and diplomacy in Africa, as noted by USIP.
‘The US is simply not on, or even near, par in competing with China for critical minerals investment and diplomacy in Africa,’ the report highlighted.
‘While the US government engages in regular discussions with Congo state miner Gecamines, it’s acknowledged that matching China’s resource levels and mining ecosystem remains unlikely,’ the report acknowledged. ‘Nevertheless, concerted efforts to attract US mining investment in Africa can succeed.’