Africa Central to Global Energy and Mineral Security, U.S. Ambassador Says at Atlantic Council Forum

In a compelling address at the Atlantic Council Africa Energy Forum on September 23, 2025, Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, emphasized Africa’s pivotal role in shaping global energy and mineral futures. Speaking in New York City, Pratt highlighted the continent’s abundant resources and strategic importance, especially for nations like Rwanda and Mozambique, in advancing international security and economic prosperity.

More than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, underscoring the urgent need for robust energy development across the continent. Yet, Africa’s vast mineral wealth, including critical resources like cobalt, copper, and natural gas, offers substantial opportunities to bridge the energy gap while powering global industries. Pratt’s remarks underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting Africa’s efforts through strategic partnerships, investments, and regional infrastructure projects.

Supporting Investment Climate and Peace for Prosperity

A cornerstone of U.S. strategy involves strengthening the investment environment by fostering policy reforms, transparency, and competitive procurement processes. For instance, in Nigeria, collaborative efforts have launched a buyer’s club to bolster reliable power supply with U.S. investments. Similarly, in the Great Lakes region, ongoing negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda aim to secure peace agreements that can unlock sustained U.S. investments, vital for the region’s economic stability. Pratt also pointed to efforts in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, where confronting security threats like ISIS can unlock lucrative LNG and mineral resource opportunities.

Mobilizing Capital and Regional Infrastructure

The U.S. is also actively working to mobilize capital through entities such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Export-Import Bank (EXIM) to reduce investment risks in projects that enhance energy and mineral security. One such example is the bilateral minerals deal currently in negotiation with the DRC, emphasizing the strategic importance of securing Africa’s resource wealth.

Transformative regional projects, like the Lobito Corridor—a vital export route connecting Angola, Zambia, and the DRC—illustrate the U.S. commitment to building resilient, transparent supply chains. This infrastructure is expected to boost regional trade, create jobs, and foster economic growth across Southern Africa.

Concrete Results and Future Vision

Since the beginning of the Trump administration, over $9.2 billion across more than 17 deals have been signed in Africa’s energy and mineral sectors. Notably, a $1.5 billion agreement between U.S. firm Hydro-Link and Angola aims to connect hydropower with mineral-rich regions in the DRC, powering industries and supporting global supply chains for cobalt and copper essential for electronics and renewable energy infrastructure.

Pratt concluded with a powerful reminder: “Africa is not on the margins of the global energy and mineral conversation—it is at the center of it.” He stressed Africa’s natural gas, mineral resources, and infrastructure to power industries worldwide and enhance international supply chain resilience. The U.S. remains committed to working with African governments and companies to ensure these resources promote Africa’s growth as well as global stability.

Implications for Rwanda and the Region

For Rwanda, as part of the broader East African corridor of development, this U.S. strategy underscores the importance of regional integration, peace, and infrastructure investment. Rwanda’s growing energy sector and position as a key regional hub stand to benefit from these international efforts to enhance energy security and mineral value chains, ultimately supporting Rwanda’s economic ambitions within Africa’s evolving energy landscape.