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You probably don’t give much thought to the device you’re reading this on — as long as it looks good and works well. But the elements powering it lie at the centre of a global struggle between the world’s two biggest economies — the US and China — with Africa emerging as a key battleground.
The continent is rich in critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths and tungsten — essential for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, AI data centres, and even weapon systems.
For years, China has dominated the global supply chain for these minerals. It not only controls significant domestic reserves but also holds stakes in major mining operations abroad, particularly across Africa. Beijing’s grip extends to the processing stage too, giving it leverage over global markets — and rattling Washington with threats to curb exports.
In response, the US has accelerated efforts to secure alternative sources. African reserves are now central to that strategy. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins University’s China Africa Research Initiative, the US quietly overtook China as Africa’s largest foreign investor in 2023 — spending $7.8 billion (£6 billion) compared to China’s $4 billion. It’s the first time since 2012 that the US has reclaimed the top spot.
The drive is being spearheaded by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), a government agency established in 2019 under President Donald Trump. The DFC openly describes its mission as “countering China’s presence in strategic regions.”
One of its beneficiaries is Rwandan mining firm Trinity Metals, which received a $3.9 million grant to expand operations across its three tin, tantalum, and tungsten mines. The company now exports tungsten and tin from Rwanda to processing plants in Pennsylvania.
“The US government has been very supportive of what we’re doing — building a direct supply chain to the United States,” says Trinity chairman Shawn McCormick. He insists the company’s commercial decisions remain independent of Washington’s influence.
Trinity, partly owned by the Rwandan government and Irish investment firm TechMet, says it operates under high environmental and labour standards. “We’ve shown that it’s possible to produce these materials in a conflict-free, child-labour-free way — while paying taxes, protecting communities and creating jobs,” McCormick adds.
But some African economists urge caution. Sepo Haihambo, a former FNB Namibia executive, says African nations must negotiate assertively with US entities.
“To expect Americans to propose clauses that are in Africa’s best interests would be unrealistic,” she warns. “Africa needs to come prepared and clear on what outcomes it wants.”
Haihambo suggests that instead of simple cash-for-minerals deals, African governments should explore joint ventures, production-sharing agreements, and local equity stakes — models that could help create sovereign wealth funds to invest in education, healthcare, and development. She also calls for more mineral processing to happen within Africa to capture greater value locally.
Some US firms are moving in that direction. ReElement Africa, a subsidiary of American Resources, is building a critical minerals refinery in South Africa’s Gauteng province.
“It’s rewarding to partner with African countries to refine materials near the source,” says CEO Ben Kincaid. “That way, you build skills, stimulate local economies, and lay a foundation for industrial growth.”
Still, not everyone is convinced Washington has played its cards wisely. Prof Lee Branstetter of Carnegie Mellon University argues that US trade tariffs have dampened goodwill in Africa — just as discontent with Chinese investments was rising.
“Had the administration not imposed indiscriminate tariffs on African countries, the US would be in a better position to benefit from dissatisfaction with Chinese projects,” he says.
Looking ahead, the US and China may soon face more rivals for Africa’s mineral wealth. Nations like Brazil, India, and Japan are also stepping up their investments — ensuring that the global race for Africa’s resources is far from over.
