To curb the country’s dependence on processed critical mineral imports, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at strengthening mineral supply chains through deeper partnerships with global allies. The order - Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Their Derivative Products into the United States - comes as mineral-rich African countries work to diversify export routes establish long-term off-takers, while expanding local beneficiation, creating a unique opportunity for restructured U.S.-Africa trade alliances as well as increased investment into Africa’s downstream sector.

Favorable Mineral Import Terms

With critical minerals underpinning various strategic sectors, including energy, defense, industry and infrastructure, President Trump’s recent order aims to protect the country from global supply chain disruptions by strengthening domestic mining and processing capacity while renegotiating trade agreements. Restructured deals could lead to stronger price mechanisms, long-term off-take agreements as well as new trade measures. For the U.S., this ensures security of supply, while for major producers - including those in Africa -, this offers off-take guarantees and long-term partners.

Building on existing U.S.-Africa commercial agreements and government-to-government frameworks - such as the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in December 2025 -the executive order lays the groundwork for expanded mineral trade between major African producers and the U.S. Its signing follows the recent export of 100,000 tons of copper from the Tenke Fungurume Mine in the DRC., U.S. commitment to African trade. Looking ahead, the order could serve as a catalyst for similar deals, diversifying Africa’s exports and strengthening global ties. 

Investment in African Refineries

By emphasizing the need for a secure supply chain beyond domestic production, the executive order creates space for U.S. trade allies to attract U.S. investment in local beneficiation and refining capacity. The U.S has already committed to advancing the DRC’s mineral beneficiation agenda as part of the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement. This commitment also builds on a 2023 tripartite agreement between the U.S, the DRC and Zambia, under which the U.S. pledged support for the development of a regional, integrated electric vehicle value chain, leveraging the countries’ copper and cobalt resources.

The U.S is also already contributing towards the advancement of Africa’s beneficiation agenda through targeted investments by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). In 2025, the DFC partnered with investment company Orion Resource Partners and the Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund to establish the Orion Critical Minerals Consortium. With initial capital of $1.8 billion, the consortium aims to invest across the global critical minerals supply chain, including production and beneficiation projects in mineral-rich jurisdictions such as the DRC.

The DFC is also supporting several African mining projects with integrated processing capabilities. In South Africa, the DFC committed $50 million to the Rainbow Rare Earths-led Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project, which is scheduled for commissioning in 2026. Uganda’s Orom-Cross graphite project is also leveraging DFC funding to develop local refinery infrastructure. The new executive order builds on these efforts by opening the door for new partnerships and long-term agreements.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming African Mining Week – taking place from October 14–16 in Cape Town – presents a timely platform to connect U.S. investors with emerging opportunities across Africa’s mineral downstream sector. The event will convene policymakers, developers, financiers and industry leaders through high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking sessions and project showcases, facilitating partnerships to advance mineral processing and value-addition across the continent.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2026 conference from October 12-16 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.