Kenya in Advanced Talks with U.S. Over Critical Minerals Processing Deal

Kenya and the United States are in advanced negotiations on a critical minerals partnership that could lead to the establishment of refineries and processing plants in Kenya, with some processed minerals supplied to the U.S. market. U.S. government departments including Commerce, Defense, and State are involved in the talks, which also focus on the Mrima Hill project where six firms from the U.S., Australia, and China are competing to develop niobium, cobalt, copper, and nickel deposits. The Kenyan government aims to promote local mineral processing by offering incentives such as special economic zones, port access, infrastructure, and tax concessions, aligning with plans to expand mineral extraction and value addition.