Lobito Corridor

The Trump administration supported Virtus Minerals in developing cobalt and copper mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking the first U.S. rare earth minerals acquisition in the country since the Washington Accord. The initiative aims to counter China's dominance in critical minerals and establish a secure supply chain for the U.S. and allies.

The Lobito Corridor is highlighted by the US Africa envoy as a model for trade relations in Africa, with Washington shifting focus toward trade. Critics argue this approach risks enabling further exploitation of African resources.