For decades, America’s engagement with Africa was largely defined by aid, public health programmes, security partnerships and political diplomacy, but Washington is now making a harder commercial calculation as it seeks to secure critical minerals, opening both direct and indirect investment opportunities for resource-rich African countries

US and other governments seek to reduce reliance on Chinese imports as export restrictions expose fragile supply chains

The US government is investing three billion dollars into critical minerals and battery projects. This initiative aims to increase domestic production and bolster national…