Global Powers Lock In New Scramble for African Ports and Minerals

Global Powers Lock In New Scramble for African Ports and Minerals
A quiet but intense competition is unfolding across Africa as major world powers secure strategic ports and lock down supplies of critical minerals, reshaping the continent's economic and security landscape [123980][87433][83553]. While public summits discuss trade and development, nations including Russia, China, the United States, and Gulf states are pursuing concrete deals for naval access and resource rights [87433][11355]. This modern-day "scramble" is driven by the global demand for minerals essential for electric vehicles and advanced technology, coupled with a search for secure military and trade hubs [83553][123980]. In a landmark move, Russia recently finalized a sweeping agreement with Mozambique, granting it extensive mining rights for battery-grade graphite and cobalt, alongside operational control of the deep-water port of Pemba on the Indian Ocean [123980]. Analysts note the deal simultaneously secures vital resources and provides Russia with a strategic naval and logistics foothold in a region where its presence was previously minimal [123980]. This activity mirrors a broader pattern. In the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia's urgent quest for sea access has drawn a flurry of engagement from foreign powers eager to expand their military and economic presence along the coast [87433]. Similarly, in West Africa's Sahel region, the rapid expansion of Russia's military influence, following the expulsion of French forces, has triggered a high-stakes contest with the United States for security partnerships [67411]. The push extends beyond security to the core of the global green transition. A "silent race" is on for Africa's lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, with nations and corporations seeking direct access to deposits [83553]. Experts warn that without coordinated action by African regional blocs, individual countries risk being pressured into deals that fail to deliver lasting local benefits [83553]. The collective effect is a continent where high-level diplomatic partnerships are increasingly backed by concrete, long-term strategic investments in infrastructure and resources, placing African nations at the center of renewed geopolitical rivalry [11355][87433]. Russia Secures Key Minerals, Strategic Port in Africa Global Powers Rush for Africa's Coast as Ethiopia Seeks a Port The New Scramble: Africa's Minerals and the Silent Race U.S. and Russia in High-Stakes Scramble for Africa's Sahel EU-Africa Summit Focuses on Trade and Minerals Amid Global Tensions