Resource Security Watch No. 64

AFRICA'S SOLAR SECTOR SURGES FORWARD
Africa's solar market has been expanding rapidly, outpacing the industry in other regions and in the process reshaping the continent's renewable energy landscape. Although demand for renewable energy has slowed globally, Africa's solar surge is largely driven by a substantial rise in the imports of Chinese solar panels, as well as policies across the continent, where African governments are increasing investments in domestic solar manufacturing. Since 2017, nearly 64 gigawatts (GW) of solar equipment has arrived on the continent. However, only about a third of that total, 23.4 GW, is currently operational, highlighting a significant gap between shipments and actual working capacity. However, falling costs for panels and battery storage are increasingly making solar a practical alternative to unreliable grids and generators. This growth has also created jobs and supported the rise of many new companies in at least 23 African countries, steadily increasing the overall percentage of electricity generated from solar energy. (Associated Press, February 12, 2026)

A NEW CAUCASIAN TRADE CORRIDOR TAKES SHAPE
The "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP), the new name for the so-called Zanzegur Corridor, is a product of President Trump's role in facilitating a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan in August of 2025. The route will span approximately 40 kilometers through southern Armenia to simplify the transportation of goods via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Both the United States and Japan have already pledged financial support for the project, although details have yet to be finalized. While China is likely to benefit most from the route, which will provide an avenue to bring its goods to Europe, U.S. officials also see opportunities for American markets as well as access to regional raw materials. But TRIPP carries a broader regional significance as well; the American project, if realized, would dampen reliance on both China and Russia in the South Caucasus, as well as setting a new precedent for cooperation on infrastructure initiatives across the region. (Nikkei Asia, January 16, 2026)

A MOUNTING AFGHAN FOOD CRISIS
The United Nations has launched a $100 million initiative to combat Afghanistan's deepening food crisis. Food insecurity in the Islamist-run nation is worsening, driven by large-scale deportations of Afghans from neighboring countries and shrinking foreign assistance, which have put further strain on already fragile communities. The two-year program, which is supported by the UN and the Asian Development Bank, is expected to assist more than 151,000 households. Beneficiaries will include migrants forced to return from Iran and Pakistan, as well as those impacted by recent natural disasters in the broader region. The effort, UN officials say, isn't just intended to meet immediate food needs; it is also geared toward strengthening domestic agricultural output and encouraging longer-term economic recovery.

The effort, however, represents only part of the solution to what has become a sweeping humanitarian crisis in the country. Aid organizations warn that food insecurity in Afghanistan is expected to remain severe, with millions continuing to struggle with malnutrition in the years ahead. (Reuters, January 29, 2026)

A STOCKPILE TO COUNTER CHINA'S MINERAL DOMINANCE
Earlier this month, the Trump administration launched a $12 billion initiative called "Project Vault" to create a U.S. strategic reserve of critical minerals. Through it, Washington aims to reduce its current reliance on Chinese-dominated markets for lithium, nickel, and rare earths, which are critical for high-tech manufacturing and defense. The program is designed to protect American automakers, technology companies, and other manufacturers from supply chain disruptions and stabilize market prices. It combines a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank alongside $2 billion in private funding. "Project Vault" also aims to maintain a 60-day reserve of essential minerals for emergencies. The plan has attracted attention from major industry leaders, including the CEO of General Motors and mining executives. Lawmakers in Congress, meanwhile, have proposed complementary legislation to further support domestic mining and refining of these resources. (China Global South Project, February 3, 2026)

A NEW ROLE FOR AGRICULTURE IN NATIONAL DEFENSE
The United States has formally elevated agriculture to a national security issue through its National Farm Security Action Plan. A recent memorandum signed by the Secretaries of Agriculture and War links the USDA with the Pentagon, creating a partnership that brings agricultural research under the same strategic umbrella as defense initiatives. Scientists from USDA will now collaborate with DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, to address vulnerabilities in food production and supply chains. The plan emphasizes supply chain resilience, research protection, and the strengthening of both domestic and allied production. Nutrition systems are also reclassified as critical infrastructure, giving agricultural leaders a more formal role in national defense planning, with institutionalized safeguards similar to those currently encompassing energy and defense networks. (ASPI Strategist, February 12, 2026)