Core thesis
Africa's new centrality is not explained only by resources. It is explained by the combination of minerals, urban markets, connectivity, and geographic position.
Why it matters
The energy transition and the competition for batteries increase the strategic value of cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earths.
The real opportunity lies in turning extractive contracts into platforms for processing, skills formation, and shared infrastructure.
Regional lens
African governments now negotiate with somewhat greater room because there is more competition among providers of financing, technology, and security.
What comes next
The inflection point will come if that external competition translates into national industrialization agendas backed by institutions capable of sustaining them.