Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) Prepares for US Policy Shifts Under Trump Administration. As President Donald Trump returns to the White House, the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG) is taking proactive steps to prepare its members for potential shifts in U.S. policies that could impact Africa’s critical minerals sector. CMAG, a prominent advocacy group connecting Africa with global markets, is emphasizing Africa’s role in international discussions surrounding critical minerals while navigating the implications of the new administration’s agenda.
The transition has sparked discussions about how the Trump administration will approach critical mineral projects in Africa. This includes questions about aid budgets and strategic initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor. Olimpia Pilch, CMAG’s Chief Strategy Officer, notes that security concerns will likely dominate U.S. policy under Trump.
“We could see an uptick in U.S. funding for critical mineral projects, but this hinges on multiple factors, including domestic mineral production capacity, real-time demand trends, and U.S. economic growth,” Pilch said. She emphasized that projects tied to U.S. defense supply chains or sectors of national importance might receive greater attention compared to those aligned with green energy initiatives prioritized under the Biden administration.
Opportunities and Challenges for Botswana
The focus on security could pose challenges for African nations aspiring to refine and process critical minerals locally. U.S. investors are expected to shy away from regions with unstable infrastructure, inconsistent energy supplies, or high political risks. However, countries like Botswana are well-positioned to attract investment, thanks to their stability, favorable taxation policies, and reliable governance.
“Relatively stable nations such as Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, and Ghana stand to benefit, provided their governments align with Western deal-making practices,” Pilch remarked.
Building Bridges Between Africa and the West
CMAG’s CEO, Veronica Bolton Smith, reiterated the organization’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Africa and Western markets. “One of CMAG’s top priorities is to bridge the gap between Africa and Western markets to catalyze value for both sides. We are actively working with partners in the U.S. and Africa to achieve this under the Trump administration and beyond,” she said.
CMAG’s strategic guidance will be crucial as Africa seeks to balance its ambitions for greater involvement in the global critical minerals supply chain with the evolving priorities of U.S. foreign policy. For Botswana, this presents an opportunity to further solidify its reputation as a stable, investment-ready hub in the critical minerals sector.
As the U.S.-Africa dynamic evolves under Trump’s leadership, CMAG aims to ensure that Africa’s critical mineral resources remain central to international policy discussions, offering both challenges and opportunities for nations like Botswana striving for economic diversification and growth.
