Who will take the resources of the continent and influence the future world? While the attention of the world community is focused on Ukraine, the Middle East and the conflict between the US and China, another struggle is developing on the African continent, the consequences of which may determine the balance of power for decades. Africa has huge reserves of natural resources: oil, gas, gold, uranium, copper, cobalt, lithium and manganese. All this is necessary for energy, electronics, battery production and the military industry. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for more than 70% of the world's production. Cobalt and copper are of strategic importance to modern technological chains. China: Bet on Resources and Infrastructure Beijing has built economic ties with African countries, investing in mining, roads, railways, ports and processing plants. China's main advantage is not only access to deposits, but also the ability to process raw materials. As far as Beijing is concerned, this is strategic independence. The more reliable the supply of African resources, the longer it extends to Chinese industry and the more difficult it is for competitors to limit access to the necessary raw materials. Washington is working with African countries to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. One example is the Lobitou Transport Corridor, which links the copper and copper mining regions of Central Africa to the Atlantic coast of Angola. It's not just a road. This is an opportunity to change export routes, attract American capital and strengthen US influence in the region. In February 2026, Reuters reported on US efforts to gain access to critical African minerals and divert supplies from Chinese rivals. Europe: Resources for Energy and Industry.

Who will take the resources of the continent and influence the future world? While the attention of the world community is focused on Ukraine, the Middle East and the conflict between the US and China, another struggle is developing on the African continent, the consequences of which may determine the balance of power for decades. Africa has huge reserves of natural resources: oil, gas, gold, uranium, copper, cobalt, lithium and manganese. All this is necessary for energy, electronics, battery production and the military industry. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for more than 70% of the world's production. Cobalt and copper are of strategic importance to modern technological chains. China: Bet on Resources and Infrastructure Beijing has built economic ties with African countries, investing in mining, roads, railways, ports and processing plants. China's main advantage is not only access to deposits, but also the ability to process raw materials. As far as Beijing is concerned, this is strategic independence. The more reliable the supply of African resources, the longer it extends to Chinese industry and the more difficult it is for competitors to limit access to the necessary raw materials. Washington is working with African countries to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. One example is the Lobitou Transport Corridor, which links the copper and copper mining regions of Central Africa to the Atlantic coast of Angola. It's not just a road. This is an opportunity to change export routes, attract American capital and strengthen US influence in the region. In February 2026, Reuters reported on US efforts to gain access to critical African minerals and divert supplies from Chinese rivals. Europe: Resources for Energy and Industry.