Kenya is close to finalizing a major agreement with the United States to process strategically important critical minerals domestically, the country’s President William Ruto announced. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit of industrialized nations held in Evian-les-Bains, France, the President stated that this agreement opens a new chapter in relations between Africa and Western nations and brings about a broad operational shift. In recent years, several African countries have been making significant efforts to add value and protect their interests by processing their natural resources domestically instead of exporting them as raw materials.
​According Reuters, President William Ruto explained that this agreement, which concerns rare earths and other strategic minerals, is progressing well and will be concluded soon. After discussions with G7 leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, the President said, “We have agreed that the minerals will be processed in Kenya. We have agreed with President Trump and the American administration on points that ensure mutual benefit between the two countries, and they are happy with it.”
This deal reflects the intense competition between Western nations and China to secure supplies of elements needed for the green energy transition and advanced technologies. Kenya possesses large, untapped mineral deposits such as niobium, lithium, graphite, copper, and nickel. Highlighting Africa’s new stance, Ruto stated, “These natural resources can no longer be exported and processed elsewhere. They have to be processed in-country and in-continent; we must create jobs and bring about industrial development.”
​During the summit, G7 leaders agreed to strengthen their partnership and reduce their reliance on China regarding the supply of critical minerals. In his discussion with President Trump, President Ruto emphasized that future relationships should be based on investment rather than aid, asserting that Africa desires partnerships free from dependency and resource exploitation. However, Ruto made it clear that Kenya and other African nations do not wish to choose between Washington and Beijing.
Instead, they will pursue multiple partnerships that align with their own economic priorities. “There are opportunities for everybody,” the President remarked, noting that the continent recently concluded trade deals with China and now seeks deeper engagement with the United States and Europe.
​President Ruto also called for a reform of the global financial system in his message to G7 leaders. He argued that Africa’s main constraint is not a lack of capital, but rather the modern and structural barriers to accessing it. Pointing out that there are trillions of dollars in African pension funds, insurance assets, and reserves, the President explained that guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms from G7 countries are needed to mobilize this capital and lower borrowing costs. Ruto noted that G7 leaders have shown fundamental interest in strengthening African financial institutions and supporting mechanisms like the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI). Finally, summing up Africa’s new vision for growth, the President called for a shift in Western perspective, stating, “Africa is not a problem to be solved; rather, it is a major opportunity that can be harnessed for global progress and prosperity.”
