Washington puts critical minerals and investment at heart of African diplomacy
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on NewsMada
US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg presented an approach that puts investment, critical minerals and technology at the heart of US relations with Africa. The strategy, which also concerns Madagascar, aims to secure US supplies and open markets, according to Helberg’s statement.
Jacob Helberg, the US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, presented strategic investment and access to critical minerals as priorities for the Trump administration’s diplomacy in Africa, according to an official statement on economic and digital relations with the continent reported by NewsMada. Washington intends to secure its supplies, develop its industries and open markets to US companies, he said.
Helberg cited US funding announced in August 2026 to prepare a rare earths project in Madagascar. The Ampasindava deposit, in the north-west of the country, is being developed by Harena Rare Earths. These raw materials are used, among other things, in advanced technologies, electric vehicles and some military equipment; the United States is seeking to reduce its dependence on China, which has a strong presence in production and refining chains.
The US official presented the country’s industrial ambitions as compatible with those of African countries, which are seeking to process more of their resources, develop infrastructure and create jobs. In Madagascar, this approach comes amid discussions on investment and economic partnerships, including economic cooperation between Diana and Zhanjiang.
