The Democratic Republic of Congo holds over 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, an essential Metal for electric vehicle batteries and smartphones includes coltan and lithium, both essential for digital and energy transitions. Currently, China dominates most supply chains in the DRC through mining companies and exploitative contracts under fragile governments.
In response, the United States aims to regain influence. Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Great Lakes region are part of this strategic competition for control over the key resources of the 21st century.