Strategic minerals: Congo is drawing closer to China under competing pressure from the United States

The Democratic Republic of Congo and China have concluded an agreement aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the mining sector, at the heart of a growing rivalry between major powers for access to strategic African resources.

This agreement consolidates Beijing's dominant position in a country that is a global pillar in the supply of essential minerals. The Congo is indeed the world's leading producer of cobalt and also possesses vast reserves of copper, lithium, and coltan, essential for battery manufacturing and the energy transition.

Chinese companies already occupy a central position in this sector. Major groups like CMOC, as well as other Chinese industrial players, are heavily involved in the exploitation of Congolese resources. Furthermore, China is also the country's main bilateral creditor, reinforcing its economic influence.

In this context, the United States is intensifying its efforts to propose alternative agreements to Kinshasa, seeking to reduce Chinese dominance over these strategic resources. Washington, like other powers, considers these minerals essential for advanced technologies and electric vehicles.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, however, seems to favor a balanced strategy, diversifying partnerships to mitigate risks and maximize benefits for his country. This approach aims to avoid excessive dependence on any single power.

This international competition for Congo's resources is part of a global dynamic where critical minerals are becoming major geopolitical levers. Access to these raw materials is now central to the industrial and energy strategies of major economies.

As global demand continues to grow, the Democratic Republic of Congo is emerging more than ever as a key arena for economic and diplomatic rivalries. The outcome of this competition could reshape the global market for strategic resources.