US-Africa Relations: Possible Strategies Deterring China's Grip on Africa’s Critical Minerals for a Prosperous Continent

• In Event: Security at Home and Abroad

Abstract

The increasing demand for critical minerals as essential resources to enhance defence
capabilities, facilitate the transition to sustainable energy, and support a modern economy
requires genuine collaboration amongst partners. According to the estimate, Africa possesses
around one-third of the global mineral resources, which are essential for the manufacturing of
electric vehicles, phones, and satellites. These resources include Cobalt, manganese, lithium,
and copper. Chinese impact over Africa's critical minerals, as well as the potential benefits for
the African population, are subject to scrutiny due to China's 60% production and 85%
processing of these minerals globally. The United States and its Western allies must develop a
new strategy and increase their efforts to ensure that Africa's critical mineral resources benefit
the African people. This may be achieved by strengthening the supply chain and improving
processing capabilities amongst other strategies.

Author

• Fiston Emidy Masichwe, Wits University