Across Africa, the battle for control of energy, minerals and export infrastructure is intensifying. From rising oil supply risks associated with Middle East tensions to new mining investment in South Africa and resource nationalism in the Sahel, the continent's commodity landscape is undergoing rapid change.
Recent developments reviewed by Accra Street Journal (ASJ) Highlight how African governments and business leaders are changing their position in the global resource economy.
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Oil supply risks trouble African fuel importers
fuel-importing economies Developments in the Middle East are being closely watched across Africa as tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel threaten vital global oil shipping routes.
A significant portion of global petroleum shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the corridor one of the world's most strategically important energy transit points.
according to Accra Street Journal (ASJ)Potential disruption is already hinting African governments Monitoring fuel shipments more closely.
In Kenya, regulators are tracking a vital fuel tanker loading petroleum products in the Red Sea before reaching the port of Mombasa, the region's largest fuel distribution hub.
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority officials say the country currently has adequate reserves, but any delays in tanker loading could lead to supply shortages in East Africa.
To the south, South Africa is already bracing for higher fuel prices as motorists react to geopolitical uncertainty and rising shipping costs.
cited by energy analysts asj There have been warnings that prolonged disruption to tanker traffic could send fuel prices soaring in many African economies that are heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum.
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Motsepe expands mining empire
While energy markets face uncertainty, Africa's mining sector is seeing major investment activity.
south african billionaire Patrice Motsepe is expanding its influence in global mineral supply chains through its company African Rainbow Minerals.
ARM has joined a consortium to develop a major manganese export terminal at Ngqura Port in partnership with Transnet and major mining companies including Anglo American, South32 and Exxaro Resources.
The planned facility will initially handle 16 million tonnes of manganese export per yearpotentially expanding 22 million tonsAccording to industry data reviewed by Accra Street Journal (ASJ).
The new terminal will replace the aging manganese export facility in Port Elizabeth Harbour, helping South Africa increase its export capacity.
South Africa continues 75% of the world's known manganese reserves.Most of them are located in the Kalahari Basin of the Northern Cape.
As the demand for manganese increases due to its role Steel production and battery technologiesThe new export infrastructure could strengthen the country's position in global mineral markets.
For Motsepe, whose portfolio spans platinum, iron ore, coal and manganese, the project represents another strategic expansion of its mining empire.
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Niger promotes resource nationalism
At the same time, governments in parts of West Africa are moving in the opposite direction – tightening control over natural resources.
military government of Niger recently canceled Gold mining concessions were held by three companies, citing failure to meet contractual obligations.
Authorities say the companies failed to pay required taxes and did not follow environmental and reporting rules.
The decision comes amid sweeping policy changes since the 2023 Niger coup that brought military leaders to power.
The government has also rejected a license extension for British energy company Savannah Energy covering oil exploration blocks in the Agadem Rift Basin.
According to the analysis cited by Accra Street Journal (ASJ)The policy reflects a broader effort by Sahel governments to increase state involvement in extractive industries and renegotiate contracts with foreign operators.
Under this strategy, Niger first nationalized its only industrial gold mine, the Samira Gold Mine.
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Africa's resource future
Overall, these developments reveal a continent operating on two parallel trends: Expansion of resource infrastructure and growing resource nationalism.
On the one hand, private investors and mining giants are building new logistics networks to meet the growing global demand for strategic minerals.
on the other, governments– especially in politically unstable areas – are demanding greater control over resource revenues and ownership.
In form of Accra Street Journal (ASJ) sees, Africa's commodity sectors are entering a new phase in which infrastructure investment, geopolitical tensions and resource sovereignty will increasingly shape the continent's economic trajectory.
For global investors and policymakers, the message is clear: Africa's resource markets are becoming more strategic, more competitive and more central to the future of the global economy.
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