Trump Targets African Minerals: The US Aims to Expand Mining in Congo
Congo is a key supplier of strategic resources, including cobalt, lithium, and uranium, essential for the production of batteries, military technologies, and energy. However, the country remains unstable due to the activities of the M23 militants, who control significant territories. In this context, Kinshasa is seeking new investors, and the US sees an opportunity to strengthen its influence in the region.
Washington Ready for Negotiations According to a State Department representative, the US is ready for negotiations as long as they align with the "America First" policy. The US authorities are already encouraging private investments in the mining of Congolese resources, emphasizing the need for transparency and fair competition.
Congolese authorities confirm their interest in diversifying partnerships. DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya stated that American investors will always find a place in the Congolese market. However, the specific terms of cooperation have not yet been revealed.
China Remains the Main Player Despite growing US interest in African minerals, Beijing remains the undisputed leader in the region. In 2023, the total volume of Chinese investments in Africa reached $21.7 billion, of which $8-10 billion was directed to projects related to the extraction of critical minerals.
For comparison, the US invested only $7.4 billion in Africa during the same period, with investments in mining not exceeding $300 million, which accounts for only 4% of all American investments on the continent. Washington is already actively cooperating with Angola, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and now it aims to add the Democratic Republic of Congo to this list.
How Can the US Compete with China? Unlike China, the US does not have state-owned companies directly working in the extractive sector. This complicates competition since Beijing provides long-term loans, investments in infrastructure, and favorable export terms, which American companies cannot offer.
Experts note that if the DRC genuinely wants to attract American capital, it will need to look for non-traditional forms of cooperation, rather than simply handing out concessions. The US could offer technological partnerships, strategic agreements with international corporations, and support in the development of mining infrastructure.
The situation in Africa has become yet another arena for global economic rivalry between China and the US. While China currently leads by a large margin, Washington is clearly determined to increase its presence and compete for access to key resources.
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