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KEEconomy2 days ago

Why US has beaten China to clinch Kenya's Sh9.7tr minerals deal

President William Ruto announced a preliminary minerals deal between Kenya and the United States during the G7 summit in France. The deal involves Kenya's rare earth deposits valued at approximately $62.4 billion (Sh9.7 trillion), which marks a shift from Africa's traditional role as a supplier of raw materials. The agreement requires strategic minerals like niobium and rare earths to be processed domestically.

President William Ruto with US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in France on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 . [Courtesy]

America has struck a preliminary minerals deal with Kenya, securing a foothold in one of the world’s largest untapped rare earth deposits worth about $62.4 billion (Sh9.7 trillion). The deal edges out China in a critical race for resources vital to modern technology and national defence.

The until-now secret agreement, announced by President William Ruto on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, would require strategic minerals, including niobium and rare earths, to be processed domestically, marking a fundamental departure from Africa’s historical role as a supplier of raw materials.

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Source document: President William Ruto's announcement at the G7 summit

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The StandardIndependentCenter2 days ago
Why US has beaten China to clinch Kenya's Sh9.7tr minerals deal

President William Ruto announced a preliminary minerals deal between Kenya and the United States during the G7 summit in France. The deal involves Kenya's rare earth deposits valued at approximately $62.4 billion (Sh9.7 trillion), which marks a shift from Africa's traditional role as a supplier of raw materials. The agreement requires strategic minerals like niobium and rare earths to be processed domestically.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a bilateral economic agreement without overtly favoring either the U.S. or China. It highlights the significance of the deal but does not employ loaded language or selectively omit context that would indicate a clear ideological slant.

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  • government President William Ruto's announcement at the G7 summit

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  • governmentPresident William Ruto's announcement at the G7 summit