Washington Approves new Investments in Africa’s Critical Minerals, Energy

The United States government has approved new framework aimed at investing in Africa’s Critical Minerals.

The board of directors of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) on Thursday approved new strategic investments aimed at strengthening U.S. supply chains for critical minerals, energy security, and the sovereignty and stability of key partners.

These transactions concern Africa and aim to support economic development, improve energy resilience and consolidate supply chains deemed essential to the growth, security and innovation of the United States.

DFC Director General Ben Black stated that these approvals “underscore the DFC’s disciplined approach to advancing U.S. strategic interests abroad, grounded in fiscal discipline.”

He cited priority investments in Africa aimed at strengthening critical energy and mineral supply chains.

Meanwhile, in mid-February, the United States launched, in conjunction with the African Union Commission, a strategic working group on infrastructure and investment, tasked with translating strategic priorities into fundable projects.

Corridors are presented as levers for economic integration and competitiveness.

A cross-border pilot project is being considered as a proof of concept.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is explicitly mentioned, possibly within a regional framework of economic integration with Rwanda.

According to the information provided, the projects must be commercially viable and aligned with Agenda 2063.

The US authorities indicate that they want to mobilize financial instruments such as the DFC, the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and multilateral banks, as well as support regulatory reforms and the harmonization of legal frameworks in order to reduce risks.