As the third edition of the U.S.–Africa Energy & Minerals Forum prepares to showcase these opportunities in Houston this July, several African markets are actively courting U.S. investors with targeted projects, policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

Djibouti – Renewables & Strategic Logistics

Djibouti has explicitly signaled its interest in U.S. investment in renewable energy and related export sectors. The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority recently hosted a U.S.–Djibouti business roundtable highlighting opportunities in solar, wind, geothermal and tidal power, noting that the country’s port and free-zone infrastructure is “power hungry” and increasingly reliant on reliable electricity supply. The government also pointed to opportunities linked to Djibouti’s salt reserves as potential export products under frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Why it matters: Djibouti’s strategic location along the Red Sea – combined with an existing U.S. military presence – positions the country as a potential logistics and energy hub for American companies seeking entry into East Africa and Red Sea trade corridors.

Democratic Republic of Congo – Minerals & Energy Reform

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains one of Africa’s most significant destinations for potential U.S. investment due to its vast reserves of critical minerals including copper, cobalt and lithium. The government in Kinshasa is actively packaging projects for international investors and is preparing to present a list of priority investment opportunities to Washington in 2026. These projects align with broader U.S. efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains currently dominated by China. At the same time, the country continues to pursue reforms in its hydrocarbons sector aimed at attracting greater international investment.

Why it matters: The DRC’s combination of strategic minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries and defense supply chains – alongside ongoing energy sector reforms – makes it a high-stakes frontier for investors seeking long-term exposure to critical resources.

Somaliland – Minerals & Strategic Cooperation

Somaliland has positioned itself as a potential U.S. partner by offering access to critical minerals and possible military base cooperation in exchange for stronger political ties with Washington. Although Somaliland is not universally recognized as a sovereign state, its government has signaled openness to collaboration with the U.S. on both resource development and security cooperation.

Why it matters: While legal and diplomatic challenges remain – particularly with Somalia’s federal government – Somaliland’s overtures highlight how emerging political entities are leveraging resource potential and strategic geography to attract international partnerships.

Liberia – First‑Mover Mineral & Energy Potential

Liberia is actively promoting its mineral resources and investment climate to U.S. companies, highlighting opportunities in mining, refining and gas-to-power infrastructure. U.S. officials have also emphasized expanding economic cooperation with Liberia, with a focus on mobilizing American capital into priority sectors.

Why it matters: Liberia’s combination of political stability, untapped mineral potential and openness to foreign investment positions it as a frontier market for companies looking beyond Africa’s more established mining jurisdictions.

South Africa – Trade, Gas & Industrial Partnerships

South Africa continues to position itself as a key destination for U.S. investment through trade and energy partnerships. A short-term extension of AGOA into 2026 preserves preferential market access for South African exports, while the country is also exploring a long-term LNG import arrangement and potential U.S. infrastructure investment to diversify its energy supply. South Africa is also leveraging its significant reserves of platinum group metals and other critical minerals to attract investment and strengthen its role in global supply chains.

Why it matters: With established industrial capacity, critical mineral resources and continued trade access to U.S. markets, South Africa is positioning itself as a long-term partner for American investors across energy and manufacturing value chains.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com