Japanese Media: U.S., Japan, and Europe Step Up to Compete for African Resources
According to a report by Japan's Jiji Press on May 12, Japan, the United States, and Europe are accelerating investments in critical minerals and logistics networks in Africa, such as lithium and nickel.
In Africa—a continent rich in mineral resources—China has established a vast influence through its Belt and Road Initiative. Whether this dominance can be challenged depends on whether Japan, the U.S., and Europe can provide support that promotes industrial development.
Critical minerals are essential for all manufacturing sectors, from semiconductors to military hardware. To counter this situation, China has secured mining rights across Africa since 2000 and invested heavily in railways and ports to build transportation networks. China currently controls the majority of rare earth elements and cobalt extracted from Congo.
In recent years, an increasing number of countries have restricted exports of raw ores. Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema called for a shift: “African nations are no longer interested in exporting raw materials; instead, they seek to add value to their products.”
The African Union (AU) has also urged investing countries to support joint mining ventures and refining projects.
Japan is responding to these expectations by supporting Africa. In Namibia, the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Toyota Tsusho plan to build a smelting plant, which will not only develop rare earth mines but also create employment opportunities.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is speeding up efforts to promote local agriculture and tourism, aiming to develop industries that do not rely on mineral resources.
Recently, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi visited four countries, including Zambia and South Africa. Leveraging trust built through Japan’s Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), he called for “respecting African sovereignty” and deepening cooperation with other nations.
Western countries are also advancing railway construction and mine development through the Lobito Corridor project, creating job opportunities for women and young people. This transport network connects inland African mines to western ports in Angola via rail.
The competition for resources among Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China is likely to intensify in the future.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1864938399092810/
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