NAIROBI — Kenya is nearing a significant critical minerals agreement with the United States in a development that could reshape the country's mining and industrial sectors. President William Ruto announced that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the proposed partnership focusing on local processing and value addition of strategic minerals.

The agreement is expected to cover key resources including lithium, graphite, copper, nickel, niobium, and rare earth minerals, all of which are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, and clean energy technologies. Kenyan officials say the initiative aims to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and reduce reliance on raw mineral exports.

Speaking during international meetings, Ruto emphasized that Africa seeks partnerships based on investment and industrial development rather than traditional resource extraction. The move comes as global competition intensifies for access to minerals critical to the green energy transition.

Economic analysts believe the agreement could position Kenya as a strategic hub in Africa's rapidly growing critical minerals sector, potentially delivering long-term benefits for manufacturing, exports, and economic growth.