Story perspectives

US Surges Ahead as Africa's Top Investor, Overtaking China

12/13/2025

Center

US Investment Surge

In 2023, the United States regained Africa's largest investor status, investing nearly $8 billion—almost twice China.
China had long dominated, investing strategically in Africa's raw materials.
The United States established the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) during President Donald Trump to counter China.
The European Union (EU) is investing in Africa's infrastructure, notably through the Lobito Corridor in Angola.
Africa’s raw materials remain geopolitically significant amid ongoing U.S.–China competition.

Right

US Prioritizes Resources

The 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) adopts a transactional approach to US-African relations, prioritizing resource competition over development.
The NSS emphasizes stability with authoritarian leaders and sidelines political reform.
The strategy supports the Lobito Corridor but neglects broader social and economic challenges.
A peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda was signed in December, while violence persists, raising concerns about the NSS's effectiveness in conflict resolution.

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US Investment Surge

In 2023, the United States regained Africa's largest investor status, investing nearly $8 billion—almost twice China.
China had long dominated, investing strategically in Africa's raw materials.
The United States established the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) during President Donald Trump to counter China.
The European Union (EU) is investing in Africa's infrastructure, notably through the Lobito Corridor in Angola.
Africa’s raw materials remain geopolitically significant amid ongoing U.S.–China competition.

1 / 2