Authors: Raymond Ashieyi-Ahorgah
Abstract: – Africa's abundant mineral resources present unprecedented opportunities for industrial transformation, yet the continent's industrial development remains constrained by inadequate energy infrastructure. This study examines the critical relationship between energy infrastructure development and mineral-based industrialization in Africa from a United States investment perspective. Drawing on recent empirical evidence and policy developments through 2025, we analyze how strategic energy investments can unlock Africa's mineral wealth while creating sustainable industrial value chains. Our analysis reveals that energy infrastructure serves as a fundamental catalyst for mineral-based industrialization, with renewable energy transitions offering particular promise for long-term sustainable development. The findings suggest that U.S. investments in Africa's energy infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy systems, can generate substantial returns while supporting the continent's industrial transformation. We recommend targeted investment strategies that leverage public-private partnerships and address key barriers including financing constraints, regulatory frameworks, and technical capacity limitations.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17212450
