With the United States facing growing vulnerabilities in its critical minerals supply chain,a new Brookings Institution study urges Washington to forge stronger partnerships with Africa — home to an estimated 30% of the world’s proven reserves.
Critical minerals,essential for sectors from defense to clean energy,are heavily concentrated in a few global regions. China,in particular,dominates refining capacity,leaving the U.S. dangerously dependent on imports. For 12 critical minerals,the U.S. relies entirely on foreign supply. Africa offers an alternative. The continent already produces over 35 critical minerals,has existing mining and refining operations,and is expanding infrastructure around mineral-rich development corridors. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),Zimbabwe,and Guinea have demonstrated rapid production growth in cobalt,lithium,and bauxite.
The report lays out five strategic actions for African governments,including appointing national coordinators,streamlining project approvals,and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to scale regional value chains. It also urges the U.S. to respond with a coordinated “minerals diplomacy” involving agencies like the DFC,EXIM Bank,and USGS. With global demand for lithium,nickel,and rare earths projected to surge,time is short. The study warns that while China,India,and the European Union are already expanding their African footprint,the U.S. risks falling behind without swift,structured engagement. Done right,a U.S.-Africa partnership could bring supply chain resilience,economic growth,and a more balanced geopolitical playing field.
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