Opportunities in Africa

Africa is a central arena in global geopolitics, driven by its vast critical mineral resources, a rapidly growing population, and substantial economic growth potential. Major powers like China, the U.S., and Russia are competing for influence, access to resources, and security partnerships on the continent. Africa holds 30% of the world’s known mineral reserves, including 60–70% of the world’s cobalt and manganese, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable technology. Africa’s coastlines command crucial maritime shipping routes, and it serves as a bridge for trade and security between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. With the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, Africa is a future consumer market and source of labor, with its middle class expected to reach 1.1 billion by 2060.

Africa presents significant growth opportunities driven by rapid digitization, a large, young consumer market, and rich natural resources. Key sectors for investment and business include technology such as fintech and e-commerce, renewable energy, agribusiness, and manufacturing. Urbanization and infrastructure development are also unlocking economic potential across the continent. The best countries to invest in Africa are Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rounding out top choices for economic scale and infrastructure. Rwanda for tech/ease of business, Tanzania for stability/resources, and Côte d’Ivoire with high growth rate are also premier, high-potential destinations. Sub-Saharan Africa is poised for growth in agriculture, specifically in increasing yields and milling for maize and wheat to meet local demand.

There is also a strong sentiment to build deeper ties with countries that were not colonial powers. Many African countries have bad memories from being exploited and used by former European colonial powers, in particular Great Britain and France. France is still having a hard time letting go and are more than willing to create dependencies and trying to economically exploit its former colonies, but they have had enough and are more willing to trade and build ties with the U.S., Russia and China.

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. has shifted from long-standing cooperation with African partner countries to priorities driven by US economic gains, security interests and migration control. Traditional U.S. foreign aid channels have been dramatically downsized, while trade and global competition for critical resources have played a growing part in U.S. engagement with African countries. While some African governments welcome the emphasis on trade and investment, others face strained relations, notably South Africa. Despite reduced cooperation following successive coups in West Africa, the U.S. remains militarily active on the continent, conducting counter-terrorism strikes in Nigeria and Somalia. U.S. disengagement on aid, unpredictability on trade and a looser relationship with the international rules-based order could, by contrast, enhance other countries’ image as a reliable partner for Africa. The EU should be keen on growing their links, but the African states are skeptical towards the EU based on their history of colonialism. Africa understandable prefer other countries like Russia and China.

Russia has rapidly expanded its influence across Africa since 2015, utilizing military agreements and private contractors to replace Western influence, particularly in the Sahel and Central African Republic. While focusing on security and resource extraction, Moscow is also leveraging religious ties and the Orthodox Church to bolster its, though it struggles with limited economic resources compared to China. To date, Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with 43 African nations, often supporting military assistance in countries like Mali, CAR, and Burkina Faso. Moscow targets resource-rich or strategically located nations, aiming to create a confederation of independence from Western influence. Russia is actively pushing for more trade missions and investing in specialized sectors, such as a major uranium project in Tanzania starting in 2026.

China and Africa maintain a deeply integrated relationship, with China serving as Africa’s largest trading partner for over 13 consecutive years, driven by infrastructure development under the Belt and Road Initiative and resource acquisition. Cooperation is formalized through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China imports massive amounts of raw materials, particularly oil and minerals, while exporting manufactured goods. A significant trade imbalance exists, with Africa running a $60 billion trade deficit with China. As of 2026, China is implementing a zero-tariff policy for most African nations, aimed at boosting African exports to China. Security cooperation is expanding to include, but not limited to, training and maritime security, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and the Red Sea. China’s presence often provides a development alternative to Western engagement, focusing on non-interference.

Both Russia and China have the upper hand against the former colonial powers as they have deep roots starting in the 1950ies when the African nations started seeking independence from their colonial masters. This is the main reason why there is still distrust to engaging too deeply with Europe and that both Russia and China have opportunities to grow their relationships with Africa.