Africa is emerging as a key battleground in the intensifying economic rivalry between the United States and China, particularly over critical mineral resources. New data show US companies sharply increased investment in Africa in 2023, briefly outpacing China after years of fluctuation. Yet analysts caution that US investment remains profit-driven and inconsistent, while China’s state-backed strategy favors long-term control of mining and infrastructure. As Africa continues exporting many raw materials with limited local value addition, the African Union is pushing policies to retain more benefits. With both powers shifting strategies, Africa stands to gain—if it can negotiate smarter, more balanced partnerships. These could allow the continent to move beyond mere extraction and toward building sustainable, local industries.
DW
