August 19, 2026
4 developments
CRS quantifies Africa's role in China's supply chain
Africa supplied 99.9% of Chinese cobalt imports, 91% of chromium and 86% of natural graphite in 2025.
Chinese lending underpins major acquisitions
BYD secured six African lithium mines through 2032, and state banks financed most of CMOC's Tenke purchase.
Export controls put downstream production at risk
The IEA estimates $6.5 trillion of output depends on Chinese processing.
US-DRC partnership funds corridor work
The 2025 agreement underpins a $553 million DFC loan for Lobito and $1 billion for DRC rail.