Report proposes for US to adopt value-addition approach to critical minerals policy in Africa

A new report has proposed to the United States (US) to improve its Africa policy with a focus on critical minerals, especially in countries it had signed agreements with.

This includes refining policies in countries such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The recommendation was made in a report produced by the Washington-based U.S Institute of Peace, or USIP on Tuesday.

Among the recommendations was prioritising to fully realise the potential benefits of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Zambia and the DRC.

The MoU followed the U.S-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December 2022 to jointly develop a supply chain for electric vehicle batteries.

The DRC produces more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, while Zambia is the world’s sixth-largest copper producer and the second-largest cobalt producer in Africa.

The report recommended the U.S government invests in “commercial diplomacy” in Africa.

“Prioritise prompt and full development of the MoU between the United States, the DRC, and Zambia. The U.S-DRC-Zambia MoU should be prioritised to fully realise its potential benefits.

“Transforming the memorandum into a productive partnership will require a significant U.S effort and dedicated resources. To be most successful, the MoU will also need the full engagement and guidance of the U.S private sector across the battery supply chain,” the report stated.

It noted that the changes were needed to safeguard against export controls and market manipulation by geopolitical competitors.

The United States heavily relies on imports for many critical minerals for use in electric vehicle batteries and other applications such as cobalt, graphite and manganese.

“Given their importance to U.S economic and national security and African economic development, critical minerals merit being a top priority for U.S policy toward Africa.

“To execute this priority, the United States should design a comprehensive critical minerals strategy that aims to build mutually beneficial partnerships with Africans,” according to the report.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.