Top priorities for US-Africa relations in an era of great power competition: Trade, investment, critical minerals, and security

Thursday, July 23, 2026

10:00 am - 11:45 am EDT

The Brookings Institution

Falk Auditorium

1775 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, D.C.
20036

Home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and consumer markets, abundant critical minerals, and a young, growing labor force, Africa will be one of the most strategically important regions of the 21st century. As the world’s major powers compete to secure minerals, develop new technologies, and reorient global supply chains, African countries are becoming increasingly important strategic and economic partners.

How is the U.S. reimagining its policy towards Africa amidst competition with China, Russia and other global powers? And how can the U.S. best prioritize its goals on trade, investment, critical minerals and security around the continent?

On July 23, the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) at Brookings hosted a conversation with key policymakers and stakeholders on U.S.-Africa relations. The event also marked the launch of a new Brookings report, “Toward a US-Africa critical minerals investment strategy: Tools, priorities, and trade-offs.” The report analyzes the tools the U.S. government has at its disposal to support private investment in mining on the continent, the trade-offs of each, and recommendations for a successful U.S.-Africa investment strategy.