• Washington and Brussels discuss coordinated supply strategy for key minerals

• Plan targets China’s dominance in extraction and refining chains

• Africa could emerge as a central partner in diversification efforts

The United States and the European Union (EU) are currently working on a potential cooperation agreement on the supply of critical minerals, according to information reported late last week by Bloomberg. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to coordinate their approaches and reduce dependence on China, which dominates the global market.

From extraction to refining of raw materials such as copper, rare earths, and graphite, China has a central position in global supply chains. The country has increasingly leveraged this position in geopolitical rivalries, as illustrated by tighter export controls on rare earths and related products introduced in 2025.

Against this backdrop, Washington and Brussels are considering an agreement aimed at diversifying their sources of supply. Discussions are focusing on the introduction of incentive mechanisms, including minimum price guarantees designed to support non-Chinese suppliers. They also cover coordinated investments, joint projects, and mechanisms to respond to potential disruptions in supply flows. The proposed framework would span the entire value chain of critical minerals and could include joint public procurement systems.

A Missing Piece in the Response to China

While the initiative has not yet been officially confirmed, it builds on earlier discussions between the two parties dating back to 2023. These new developments also come amid a broader wave of similar agreements signed by both powers with other countries involved in diversifying global supply chains.

The United States has already established partnerships with countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and Mexico. For its part, the European Union recently incorporated critical minerals into its free trade agreement with Australia, concluded in March. Both are also members of the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), a multilateral initiative bringing together countries committed to securing access to strategic raw materials.

Beyond reducing China’s influence, a potential agreement would represent another step in advancing their energy transition strategies. The growing interest in critical minerals is driven by their essential role in global decarbonization. Copper is crucial for electrification, graphite and lithium are key components in electric vehicle batteries, and rare earths are indispensable for magnets used in wind turbines and EV motors.

Africa’s position in this landscape

For Africa, which is estimated to hold around 30% of global reserves of critical minerals, such an agreement could have significant implications, particularly in shaping how the United States and the European Union position themselves on the continent.

In recent months, Washington has made Africa a central pillar of its strategy, multiplying initiatives including a cooperation agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo—the world’s leading cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer—as well as investments in several other countries in the region.

The European Union is also strengthening its presence, notably through the recent rollout of a new instrument aimed at supporting investments in critical minerals. Known as PanAfGeo+, the program is expected to target countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, and South Africa.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou