The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has put forth a set of strategies to address the issue of excessive dependence on China for essential mineral supplies in Africa.
According to a recent report by USIP, it is crucial for the US to diversify its sources of critical minerals, including those from Africa, in order to safeguard its economic and national security interests.
The report highlighted the significant reliance on China for minerals like cobalt, graphite, and manganese, emphasizing the need for Western governments and companies to catch up with Chinese competitors in accessing Africa’s mineral wealth.
In response to China’s increasing presence in Africa’s resource market, USIP recommended that the US engage in more robust commercial diplomacy to establish key mineral partnerships in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, where vital minerals like cobalt and copper are sourced.
Establishing strong partnerships may pose challenges, but the potential benefits include positioning the United States and its allies as the top choices for aiding Africa in the development of critical minerals, as stated in the report.
The report suggests that facilitating US investments in the DR Congo could involve reopening its consulate in Lubumbashi, which had shut down in the 1990s following the conclusion of the Cold War.
Additionally, USIP emphasized the importance of expediting the comprehensive development of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the United States, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Zambia to provide guidance for American private investors throughout the battery supply chain.
