The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump is keen to advance Africa’s mining sector. On the first day of his second term, Trump issued an executive order aimed at minerals, extraction, and processing. Scott Woodard, acting deputy assistant secretary of state for energy transformation, noted that the order includes references to forming international partnerships alongside domestic priorities.

At an African mining conference in Cape Town, Woodard was asked about the U.S. understanding of African desires for value-addition projects in minerals. He indicated that the Trump administration is still developing its policies on the matter. U.S. investments in African minerals are largely driven by the Export-Import Bank, which focuses on resources essential for cleaner energy.

In 2022, the U.S. forged partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to build a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, highlighting interest in copper, lithium, and cobalt. Additionally, the U.S. has financed the Lobito Rail Corridor to facilitate the transport of minerals from Congo, Zambia, and Angola.

Zambia’s transport minister, Frank Tayali, expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its infrastructure investments, which he sees as crucial in addressing the continent’s estimated $350 billion infrastructure financing gap. Tayali emphasised the importance of infrastructure development for uplifting African economies.

In contrast, China is engaged in revitalising the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority to enhance transport in East Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa’s transport issues with the state-owned Transnet railway network are being addressed. Allan Seccombe from the Minerals Council of South Africa acknowledged the need for significant improvements to the rail network and shared that they’re seeking funding through public tenders and collaboration with large mining companies.

The U.S. is making decisive steps to strengthen Africa’s mining industry through executive orders and investment in infrastructure, particularly in connection with electric vehicle battery production. Collaborative efforts with African nations aim to address resource extraction and value addition, highlighting infrastructure’s vital role in economic development.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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