The world is checking whether President Trump and Ukrainian President Voldimia Zelensky can reach an agreement on the mineral trade. This precious natural resource is considered one of the key factors in mediating peace in Ukraine, but the Trump administration would be wise to look beyond those boundaries. Important minerals have serious implications for the world.
China's recent decisions Prohibiting the US from exporting important important minerals – And subsequent announcements of new restrictions on subsequent exports of drones and related components will have significant security implications. These minerals are core components in the production of semiconductors, military technology, explosives and advanced missile systems that the United States needs for defense, industrial security and global competitiveness.
China's domination in the global production and processing of critical minerals could become a “single point of failure” in the long-standing leverage of American military power to achieve a safer and safer world. For the sake of the US economy and national security, it is time to consider establishing a US and African security defense tax credit.
The credit will encourage American companies to innovate and invest in Africa's key mineral sector. This diversification of supply chains simultaneously builds US domestic capacity and reserve stockpiling, but can be achieved most efficiently and effectively through a strong partnership with Africa.
Africa has some of the largest undeveloped reserves of important minerals. Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo explains Over 70% of global cobalt production. There is no reason why the US continues Receive 70% of rare earth elements from ChinaAnd this alternative, reliable source from Africa will ease the dependence on the Chinese Communist Party and subsequent vulnerability.
The proposed tax credit will be supported by companies that invested in the production and processing of strategic minerals. Africa's Growth and Opportunity Law– Eligible countries. Tax credits also allow tax-free repatriation of profits. These benefits enhance national security, strengthen America's competitiveness, and more generally promote US-Africa partnerships.
Simply put, diversified supply chains are safer supply chains. Investing in Africa reduces our strategic vulnerabilities and creates a more resilient defense industry foundation. The credit also allows US companies to quickly place priority investors in Africa, allowing them to compete with China and other countries that have already invested heavily in the continent.
And by expanding these incentives to countries eligible for African growth and opportunity behavior, the US will strengthen its commitment to Africa as a trusted partner, promoting economic development and stability throughout the region.
China's Belt and Road Initiative It has already positioned Beijing as the dominant player in Africa's infrastructure and resource development. Meanwhile, Europe launched it Important raw material methods to enhance access to essential minerals. The US cannot afford to be even more late.
Africa is rapidly emerging as a battlefield for global influence, and the United States must act decisively to maintain its leadership around the world. Providing tax credits and tax-free benefits sends clear signals to African countries. The US is a reliable long-term partner invested in growth and stability.
For Congress, this is a bipartisan opportunity to address some of the critical challenges of our time. It reduces dependence on hostile forces, protects the US national security interests, and strengthens alliances with key, rapidly rising regions of the world.
Former MP Chris Stewart (R-UTAH) was a member of the Intelligence Email Agency Committee, the House of Representatives Committee on Approximate Budgets, and the Chinese Task Force. He is also a world record-setting air force pilot, New York Times bestselling author, and co-chair of the bipartisan act alliance of Africa's growth and opportunity. Rosa Whitaker is the US trade aide for Africa in the administrations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and she co-chairs the bipartisan Apiary Liance of Africa's growth and opportunity.
