South Africa and Gabon listed among countries the U.S. is most reliant on for critical minerals

The United States is increasingly turning to Africa to secure the critical minerals needed to power its economy, with countries like Gabon and South Africa emerging as key suppliers.

The U.S. relies entirely on Gabon for its manganese (100%) imports, while South Africa accounts for a significant share of its platinum (89%), chromium (79%), and palladium (57%) supply, according to Visual Capitalist. These minerals are essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to defence systems.

The renewed focus on Africa comes as Washington seeks to reduce its dependence on China, which remains a dominant player in the global processing and supply of several critical minerals, including graphite, tantalum, and rare earth elements.

According to recent data, the U.S. remains heavily reliant on foreign sources for many of the minerals that support semiconductors, battery production, and clean energy systems. Out of 37 critical minerals tracked in 2025, the country is fully import-dependent on 11, with several others sourced primarily from abroad.

Some of the most strategically important materials are entirely imported. Graphite and tantalum are largely sourced from China, gallium from Canada, manganese from Gabon, and niobium from Brazil.

Even niche elements such as scandium and yttrium, used in aerospace and advanced electronics, are 100% imported, underscoring the vulnerability of U.S. supply chains to geopolitical disruptions.

While Africa holds an estimated 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, much of the value chain, from processing to manufacturing, remains concentrated outside the continent.

Analysts say this growing global demand presents both an opportunity and a challenge for African economies, as they navigate increasing foreign interest while seeking to capture more value from their natural resources.