【环时深度】关键矿产博弈，非洲能否抓住主动权？

Core Viewpoint - The ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development highlighted the strategic competition among various countries for Africa's critical minerals, emphasizing the need for responsible development and stable supply chains [1][2]. Group 1: Global Interest in African Minerals - Japan has been actively pursuing partnerships with African nations to secure a stable supply of critical minerals, with recent high-level meetings focusing on artificial intelligence and mineral resources [1][2]. - The United States has shifted its approach towards Africa, with President Trump meeting leaders from African nations to discuss their valuable mineral resources, indicating a strategic pivot in U.S. foreign policy [2]. - The European Union is also intensifying its efforts to collaborate with African countries on critical minerals, with a strategic project list that includes four projects located in Africa [4]. Group 2: Investment and Infrastructure Development - The U.S. has facilitated a peace agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to enhance investment opportunities for private companies in the region, particularly in mining [3]. - The "Lobito Corridor," a major infrastructure project in Africa, aims to significantly reduce transportation time for critical minerals, with a U.S. investment commitment of $4 billion [3]. - Other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the UAE, are also increasing their investments in Africa's mining sector, focusing on key minerals like cobalt, copper, and lithium [5][6]. Group 3: Economic Implications for Africa - Africa is positioned as a major player in the global mining investment landscape, attracting approximately $77 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2018 to 2022, accounting for 13.9% of total FDI [8]. - The continent's rich mineral resources provide significant economic opportunities, but there are challenges related to regional stability and governance that could impact investment [10][11]. - African nations are increasingly seeking to process minerals domestically to create jobs and enhance economic benefits, with many countries implementing restrictions on raw mineral exports [12].