Global Powers' Strategic Interests in Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis
This report examines each country’s stated and inferred objectives, what Africa offers, and the implications for African sovereignty and development.
AFRICA — Global powers, including China, the United States, the European Union, Russia, India, Japan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia, have intensified their engagement with Africa, driven by the continent’s vast natural resources, strategic geographical locations, and burgeoning consumer markets.
According to statements from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, China pledged over $50 billion in investments, signaling a deepening economic focus.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, reflecting security priorities. The European Commission highlighted trade partnerships, while Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has emphasized military cooperation.
These engagements, often framed as mutually beneficial, reveal underlying motives such as securing critical resources, expanding geopolitical influence, eliminating regional terror cells, and countering rival powers.
This report examines each country’s stated and inferred objectives, what Africa offers, and the implications for African sovereignty and development.
Africa’s Natural Resources and World Percentage Shares
Africa is endowed with a significant portion of the world’s natural resources, including minerals, hydrocarbons, arable land, and renewable resources. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Africa holds approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves, encompassing critical materials like cobalt and platinum.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states that the continent accounts for about 12% of global oil reserves and significant shares of gold and diamonds (USGS, 2023). Furthermore, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that Africa possesses around 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, offering vast agricultural potential (AfDB, 2023).
The following list provides verified estimates of key resources and their approximate share of global reserves or production:
Mineral Reserves (Overall): Africa holds approximately 30% of the world’s mineral reserves. This includes a diverse range of minerals critical for industrial and technological applications, such as cobalt, platinum, and diamonds.
Gold: Africa accounts for about 40% of global gold reserves and produced approximately 680.3 metric tons in 2021, representing roughly 22% of global output. South Africa is the continent’s largest producer, followed by Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
Diamonds: Africa produces around 65% of the world’s diamonds by value and holds approximately 33% of global diamond reserves. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the largest industrial diamond producer, followed by Botswana and South Africa.
Cobalt: Africa, primarily the DRC, holds about 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves and accounts for approximately 71% of global production. Cobalt is critical for batteries in electric vehicles and electronics.
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): Africa, led by South Africa, possesses up to 90% of the world’s platinum reserves and produces approximately 92% of global platinum. PGMs are essential for catalytic converters and fuel cells.
Chromium: Africa holds around 90% of the world’s chromium reserves, with South Africa being a leading producer, contributing approximately 60% of global chromium output. Chromium is vital for stainless steel production.
Manganese: Africa accounts for about 49% of global manganese production and holds significant reserves, particularly in South Africa and Gabon. Manganese is used in steelmaking and batteries.
Copper: Africa holds approximately 5% of the world’s copper reserves but produces about 12% of global output, with the DRC and Zambia as key producers. Copper is essential for electrical wiring and renewable energy technologies.
Uranium: Africa possesses some of the largest uranium reserves globally, with countries like Namibia and Niger contributing significantly. The continent accounts for about 17% of global uranium production.
Bauxite: Africa holds around 24% of global bauxite reserves, primarily in Guinea, which is a major exporter. Bauxite is the primary source of aluminum.
Phosphates: Africa produces approximately 79% of the world’s phosphates, with Morocco and Tunisia as leading producers. Phosphates are critical for fertilizers.
Oil: Africa holds about 12% of the world’s oil reserves and produced approximately 8 million barrels per day in 2023, accounting for roughly 10% of global production. Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt are the largest producers.
Natural Gas: Africa accounts for 8% of the world’s natural gas reserves and produced about 6.45% of global output in 2007, with production doubling since 2000. Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt are major producers.
Tantalum: The DRC and Rwanda together produce about 50% of the world’s tantalum, a key component in electronics like smartphones and laptops.
Arable Land: Africa holds approximately 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, totaling about 200 million hectares. This represents a significant opportunity for agricultural development.
Renewable Freshwater Resources: Africa accounts for about 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater resources, though it uses only 2% of its renewable water resources compared to a global average of 5%.
Forests and Timber: Africa hosts about 33% of the world’s CO2-storing tropical rainforests, with the Congo Basin being a major global carbon sink. Timber and forest products are significant for local economies and global trade.
Solar Energy Potential: Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of global solar generation capacity, offering immense potential for renewable energy development, particularly in the Sahel and Sahara regions.
Detailed Analysis Of Africa Interests By Country
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