Titled Building Resilient Supply Chains: U.S.-Africa Collaboration on Critical Mineral Infrastructure, the roundtable will explore growing collaboration between public and private sector entities from both the U.S. and various African countries in advancing the critical minerals sector for mutual economic and strategic benefits.

With Africa holding over 70% of the world’s cobalt, 80% of platinum group metals and 60% of manganese - resources essential to meet energy transition, geopolitical, and technological goals - the scope of U.S.- Africa engagement is expanding.

In May 2025, California-based exploration company KoBold Metals, backed by investors Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, reached an agreement with Australia’s AVZ Minerals to invest over $1 billion in the development of the Manono Lithium Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As one of the world’s largest deposits of lithium, cesium, and tantalum, the project will help meet growing global demand for electric vehicle battery storage. KoBold Metals is also investing heavily in copper projects in Zambia, further signaling U.S. private sector commitment to Africa’s mining future.

The U.S. Export-Import Bank also lifted its ban on financing coal projects abroad, including in Africa. With coal still playing a vital role in stabilizing power grids, generating revenue, and creating jobs across the world - and with countries like South Africa and New Zealand designating it a critical mineral - the reversal highlights America's willingness to support balanced energy infrastructure that aligns with regional needs and priorities.

Further deepening U.S. – Africa ties, Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Advisor met with Félix Tshisekedi, President, the DRC in April 2025 to advance bilateral cooperation in mining. The agreement reached by the two paves the way for increased U.S. investment, technical expertise, and business engagement in unlocking an estimated $24 trillion worth of untapped resources in the DRC, including cobalt, copper, and lithium.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has also played a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s mining infrastructure. In December 2024, the DFC committed $553 million to the Lobito Atlantic Railway project to streamline the transport of minerals from Angola, the DRC, and Zambia. The agency also provided a $3.4 million technical assistance grant to UK-based Pensana to advance the Longonjo rare earth project in Angola - set to become one of the world’s largest producers, contributing over 5% of global supply. Meanwhile, UK-based Chillerton is leveraging a $3.2 million U.S. grant to develop a green copper mining initiative in Kakosa, Zambia. The DFC has also expressed strong interest in the Kabanga nickel, copper, and cobalt mine in Tanzania, demonstrating America’s broader strategic commitment to Africa’s resource landscape.

Against this backdrop of intensifying cooperation and investment, African Mining Week 2025 will serve as a vital platform to deepen partnerships, expand opportunities, and shape a resilient, inclusive future for U.S.–Africa collaboration in the critical minerals sector.