The US and China are competing for access to Africa’s rich mineral resources, particularly through the redevelopment of the Lobito Corridor. China’s presence in Angola, initiated in 2002, led to significant investments in the region. The US, wary of Chinese influence, is now investing in revitalizing the Lobito Corridor to enhance access for American and European markets.
The competition between the United States and China for access to Africa’s abundant mineral resources has intensified, raising concerns over the potential for geopolitical tensions. The Chinese foothold in the region began in 2002 when Angola’s then-president Jose Eduardo dos Santos sought Beijing’s investment following the lengthy civil war that crippled the nation’s economy and infrastructure. Currently, Sub-Saharan Africa contains approximately 30 percent of the world’s known reserves of critical minerals, a situation that is crucial for both powers as they seek to secure supply chains for these essential resources. Austin Strange, a political expert at the University of Hong Kong, noted that “a revitalised Lobito Corridor could help improve American and European access to critical minerals.” In response to China’s growing influence in commodity markets, particularly in countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United States and the European Union are channeling significant investment into the Lobito Corridor project. This initiative aims to renovate the existing Benguela Railway spanning 1,344 kilometers into the DRC and construct an additional 800-kilometer railway line through northwestern Zambia, ultimately enhancing connectivity for mineral transport.
The rivalry between China and the United States has manifested distinctly in Africa, where both nations vie for control over vital mineral resources. Following the end of the Angolan civil war in 2002, China solidified its investments in the region, particularly under the auspices of its Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing its access to Africa’s mineral wealth. The significance of Sub-Saharan Africa’s mineral reserves, which constitute a large portion of the world’s critical mineral supply, has made the region a strategic battleground for influence amid rising global demand.
In conclusion, the US-China rivalry in Africa, particularly concerning critical mineral resources, is set to intensify as both nations seek to secure their supply chains. The revitalization of the Lobito Corridor represents a significant strategic response from the United States and the European Union to counterbalance Chinese dominance in resource-rich regions. As investments in infrastructure grow, the potential for geopolitical strife in Africa increases, warranting close observation of future developments.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
