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The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

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AfricaSource

Mar 27, 2025

Prioritizing access to critical minerals will require prioritizing Africa

By Benjamin Mossberg

Access to critical minerals is an urgent national security issue. The United States must view investments in African energy, mineral, and mining—key to securing this access—with similar importance.

Africa
Critical Minerals

New Atlanticist

Mar 21, 2025

Four critical questions (and expert answers) about Trump’s new critical minerals executive order

By Alexis Harmon, Reed Blakemore

On March 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to increase crucial mineral production in the United States. Atlantic Council experts dig into the details.

Critical Minerals
Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Mar 21, 2025

In the scramble for Africa’s critical minerals, the West must not abandon the ESG agenda

By Zainab Usman and Rama Yade

As this race for minerals and metals critical for the energy transition heats up, both companies and governments must not abandon environmental, social, and governance principles in Africa.

Africa
Critical Minerals

AfricaSource

Mar 20, 2025

If the international community wants to curb fossil fuel emissions, it must make Africa a serious clean energy offer

By Neil Ford

Before the international community asks African countries to leave undeveloped fossil fuel resources in the ground, it must make them an offer of clean energy financing—one substantial enough to fund Africa’s current and future appetite for electricity.

Africa
Critical Minerals

Fast Thinking

Feb 26, 2025

Digging into the US-Ukraine minerals deal

By Atlantic Council

Everything you need to know about the reported Trump-Zelenskyy economic pact on Ukraine’s natural resources.

Conflict
Critical Minerals

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2025

On trade and technology, the US and EU need each other now more than ever

By Trevor Rudolph

Washington and Brussels must collaborate on telecommunications, semiconductors, and critical minerals to compete with nonmarket economies.

Critical Minerals
Economy & Business

AfricaSource

Dec 20, 2024

What to know about the Lobito Corridor—and how it may change how minerals move

By Sarah Way

The United States’ investment in the Lobito Corridor project marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to engagement with African nations.

Africa
Critical Minerals

Report

Dec 19, 2024

What African producers of critical minerals can learn from Indonesia’s experience

By Bradford Simmons and Julien Marcilly

Indonesia and its success with resource nationalism can serve as an example for many mineral-rich African countries.

Africa
Critical Minerals

AfricaSource

Nov 26, 2024

The US won’t gain a lead in the competition for Africa’s critical minerals without innovation

By Chris Moorman

If the United States wants to differentiate itself from competitors in the critical mineral sector, it will need to form partnerships with African countries that are economically feasible, environmentally sustainable, and ethical.

Africa
China

AfricaSource

Sep 9, 2024

The strategies driving the players in competition for Africa’s critical minerals

By Sarah Way

As the race for Africa’s critical minerals continues, the United States should rally its allies and partners around a common vision backed by democratic values.

Africa
Critical Minerals

Experts