African Nations Unite to Form Strategic Minerals Coalition — Challenging U.S. and Chinese Dominance

By Dr. Michael Omoruyi | iNewsAfrica

In a move that could redefine the global energy landscape, the African Union (AU) has announced plans to form a coalition aimed at controlling the continent’s vast reserves of strategic minerals. The alliance seeks to position Africa as a decisive player in the clean energy revolution—challenging decades of U.S. and Chinese dominance over critical resources.

A Bold Step Toward Resource Sovereignty

From cobalt in the Democratic Republic of Congo to lithium in Zimbabwe and rare earth elements in Tanzania, Africa holds some of the world’s richest deposits of minerals essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. Until now, these resources have largely been extracted and exported under arrangements that favor foreign powers, leaving African countries with limited value capture.

The new coalition, currently in its formative stages, aims to rewrite that story. By coordinating policies, standardizing regulations, and leveraging collective bargaining power, African leaders intend to ensure that their nations benefit more equitably from the wealth buried beneath their soil.

Taking Aim at Global Powers

For decades, the United States and China have competed fiercely for control of Africa’s mineral supply chains. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative and aggressive mining investments, has established dominance in processing and refining. The U.S., meanwhile, has sought to secure strategic partnerships to diversify supply chains away from Beijing’s grip.

Africa’s move to unite threatens to disrupt this balance. Analysts say it signals a new era in which the continent is no longer a passive supplier but an active power broker in the global clean energy economy.

Economic and Political Implications

The implications are far-reaching. If successful, the coalition could:

• Increase Africa’s share of revenue from global mineral markets.

• Attract investment in local refining, processing, and technology industries.

• Strengthen intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

• Reduce dependency on external actors and elevate Africa’s bargaining power in international negotiations.

However, challenges remain. Fragmented governance, entrenched foreign interests, and infrastructure deficits could hinder the coalition’s ability to act with one voice. Success will depend on unity, transparency, and visionary leadership.

A Game-Changing Moment

As the world transitions toward renewable energy, the stakes have never been higher. Control of minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earths will define which nations lead in the 21st-century economy. By joining forces, African countries are not just asserting sovereignty over their resources—they are reshaping the rules of a game long dominated by others.

For Africa, this could be the dawn of a new chapter: from being a supplier of raw materials to a central architect of the global clean energy future.

About the Author

Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi is a technologist, educator, and author of From Grit to Grace. He is the founder of iNewsAfrica, championing African and diaspora voices on technology, culture, and youth empowerment.

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