Africa’s extractive industries are fast becoming one of the world’s most contested investment arenas amid surging demand for critical minerals.
However, rising nationalism, shifting political dynamics, and intensifying geopolitical tensions are increasing cross-border risk.
These forces are driving regulatory change and disputes across the sector. Investors should adopt practical strategies to protect assets, manage political exposure, and respond to enforcement and cross-border challenges.
Western enforcement agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) increasingly pursue Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) with cross-border investigations throughout Africa.
These investigations threaten the UHNWIs' liberty, assets, and reputation and are often initiated solely based on allegations made in the media by adversaries.
The increased focus of the U.S. DOJ and the aggressive tools at its disposal can put individuals and companies operating throughout Africa at risk of global asset freezes, seizures, and/or other penalties.
Israeli and other Middle Eastern and African nationals are increasingly at risk as U.S. and Western enforcement agencies aggressively pursue cross-border actions, in many cases based on incomplete facts.
With cooperation from countries like Israel, those targeted can risk their assets, reputation and liberty if they are not adequately prepared.
We explain what steps individuals can take to push back and get the facts straight.
