Trump’s Africa policy zeroes in on minerals and militarism

On April 4, Beijing expanded its export controls to include seven types of medium and heavy rare earth elements, materials critical to advanced manufacturing, defence systems and clean energy. Amid a wave of tariff escalations between the United States and China, the announcement spotlighted the deeper contest behind the headlines: the race to dominate global critical mineral supply chains.

At the centre of this geopolitical battleground lies the Democratic Republic of Congo, home to some of the world’s richest reserves of cobalt, copper and other strategic minerals. In a move emblematic of shifting US policy, the Trump administration has reportedly entered negotiations with Kinshasa on what some officials have described as a “minerals-for-security” agreement.

The proposed deal would grant US firms privileged access to Congolese mineral assets in exchange for military support aimed at stabilising the country’s conflict-ridden east. It marks a significant step in US engagement with Africa’s mining sector – one that reflects both a reaction to China’s entrenched presence and a recalibrated doctrine under the Trump administration.

This is not the US’ first foray into Africa’s critical minerals landscape. When Joe Biden was US president, American engagement was framed in the language of partnership, climate cooperation and development. The goal was to reduce US dependence on Chinese supply chains for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable technologies while supporting Africa’s industrial ambitions.