The U.S. and China Vie for Influence in Africa

U.S. Investment Strategy in African Mining

The U.S. is investing billions to upgrade the Lubito railway in Angola, aiming to enhance infrastructure that connects vital mineral deposits to international markets. This initiative is largely viewed as a response to China's extensive presence and investment in Africa's mining sector, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which holds over 70% of the world's cobalt. Despite these efforts, experts argue that the timing of U.S. initiatives may be inadequate, with some stating it is 'too little, too late' to effectively compete with China's established operations and investment. With the strategic importance of these minerals for electric vehicle production and other technologies, the U.S. seeks to reposition itself in the global supply chain by accessing new routes that are closer to European and American markets.