U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved Two new investments were made this month in key mineral projects in sub-Saharan Africa. This funding is intended to accelerate economic development across the region while strengthening the U.S. supply chain for minerals essential to the nation’s defense, energy, security, and advanced technology sectors. This investment will also facilitate infrastructure expansion, boost employment and increase export revenues to African markets.
The announcement was made ahead of the African Mining Week (AMW) conference, which brings together Africa’s leading mining stakeholders. This event will highlight the role that U.S. institutions such as DFC are playing in strengthening U.S.-Africa ties in mining and investment. AMW features a dedicated U.S.-Africa Roundtable that brings together U.S. policymakers and institutional investors with African governments, project developers, and stakeholders to form partnerships, sign deals, and coordinate policy.
AMW serves as the premier platform for exploring all mining opportunities across Africa. The event will be held in parallel with the Africa Energy Week: Investing in Africa Energy 2025 conference, which will be held in Cape Town from 1 to 3 October. Sponsors, exhibitors and representatives can contact us for more information. sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Over the past two years, DFC has promoted U.S.-Africa mining cooperation by expanding its portfolio of investments, loans, and technical assistance grants. These include DFC’s $5 million funding package for Blencowe Resources to develop the Orom Cross Graphite Project in Uganda. In July 2025, Blencoe $750,000 tranche As part of this effort, it follows a $500,000 payment in May. The final $250,000 payment will support the project’s final feasibility study. With JORC’s estimated and inferred resources of 24.5 million tonnes and total graphite content of 6.0%, Oromcross is expected to operate for 21 years, contributing to Uganda’s economic transformation and meeting the growing global demand for battery-grade graphite.
Other recent DFC initiatives include: $553 million loan for the Lobito Corridor, a project aimed at improving mineral transport in Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. DFC also approved: $3.4 million in technical assistance grants These include a stake in the Longonjo rare earth project in Angola, a $50 million equity investment in the Phalaborwa rare earth project in South Africa, and a $3.2 million grant to Chillerton’s green copper mining project in Cacosa, Zambia. In Tanzania, DFC is also supporting Kabanga Nickel Limited with a loan to support the development of one of Africa’s most important nickel sulphide deposits.
With this expansion in investment size, DFC continues to position itself as a key partner in unlocking Africa’s mineral potential while advancing U.S. strategic interests. AMW 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to build on this momentum, fostering cooperation, fostering new investment, and strengthening the U.S.-Africa partnership in mineral development.
