Africa can provide a faster solution to US critical minerals needs

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Africa is estimated to hold about 30% of the world’s proven critical minerals reserves. This number is likely an underestimate of the regional potential due to insufficient geological exploration. Several African countries are global leaders in reserves, from cobalt in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to platinum group metals in South Africa and graphite in Mozambique.

African leaders realize the enormous opportunity that critical minerals can provide to their countries. The December 2024 African Union Green Minerals Strategy is a milestone document in the sector. The level of political attention could not be higher.

Competition for critical minerals in Africa is growing. While China’s presence is better known, other actors like India, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union are entering the continent’s mining sector. The April 2025 visit to the DRC by the U.S. senior adviser for Africa is an example of the initial efforts of mineral diplomacy.

Source: UNESCO