Home to approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa is taking decisive steps to counter the dominance of foreign nations in the exploitation of its natural resources. The continent’s vast reserves of minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and copper, are essential for the global economy and the defence industry, and several global powers are vying to secure reliable access to these resources.
African Initiatives to Counter Chinese Dominance
One of the initiatives that Africa is spearheading to counter resource exploitation is the Lobito Atlantic Railway, a revitalised Benguela Railway project. This 1,289-kilometre railway aims to connect mining sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia’s copper belt to the Angolan port of Lobito, facilitating resource exports while enhancing regional trade.
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The United States and the European Union are actively supporting these initiatives. During the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2022, the U.S., DRC, and Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding to develop electric vehicle battery value chains. Additionally, a consortium comprising Portuguese, Belgian, and French firms secured a 30-year concession to operate the Benguela railway and its mineral terminal.
In 2023, President Biden announced a U.S.-EU partnership to develop the Lobito Corridor under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure (PGI). The PGI seeks to establish economic corridors through strategic partnerships and integrated investments, fostering regional growth and enhancing global connectivity.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these efforts, the concentration of critical raw materials in regions plagued by chronic instability presents significant risks to governments and investors alike. Challenges such as excessive debt, China’s economic slowdown, and shifting political landscapes across the continent create strategic openings for the EU and Washington to expand their influence.
The U.S. and EU are competing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has heavily invested in Africa over the past two decades. In contrast, the alternative model proposed by the Lobito Corridor aims to generate a “trickle-down” effect, fostering sustainable growth across interconnected sectors.
The recent crisis in Mozambique underscores the necessity of alternative export routes during periods of unrest. Meanwhile, China’s concession of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) demonstrates that competition between global powers is not always adversarial; rather, it can be complementary, with the potential to benefit African nations.
Future Prospects
The outlook for Africa is promising. The Lobito Corridor project is expected to enhance trade and mobility by reducing transport times and costs in a region where infrastructure deficits and logistical bottlenecks remain significant hurdles to growth. The initiative could also drive broader economic benefits by creating jobs and attracting investments in agriculture, services, and digital connectivity.
As Africa continues to develop its natural resources, it must maintain control over its strategic assets. Through regional integration and establishment of more hospitable economic ecosystem, African nations can reduce dependence on foreign entities while ensuring sustainable development. Ultimately, the future of Africa’s natural resources hinges on its ability to retain control over its wealth and distribute its benefits equitably among its citizens.
