Growing competition between the United States and China for access to Africa’s minerals, markets, and infrastructure presents an opportunity for African governments to negotiate more beneficial investment agreements. However, increased foreign interest will not automatically translate into stronger domestic industries or economic independence unless African governments make it so. China’s automotive development offers a useful model for how African governments can maximize the benefits of foreign investment. When Volkswagen entered China in the 1980s, the government introduced measures to strengthen domestic manufacturers, eventually increasing local sourcing of vehicle components to an estimated 80%-90%. African countries face similar challenges, particularly in the mining sector, where processing activities often have weak connections to local businesses. For instance, in 2023, nearly all of Zambia’s mined copper underwent further processing domestically, yet only about 1% was absorbed by local manufacturers. Experts argue that greater regional cooperation, affordable financing, and stronger domestic suppliers will be essential to ensuring foreign investment creates lasting economic value.