In a strategic move to counter the escalating influence of China in Africa, the United States has made significant strides, sealing 547 trade and investment agreements valued at $14.2 billion with African nations over the past year. This marks a substantial 67% surge in both the quantity and value of concluded deals compared to the previous year. British Robinson, the coordinator for the Prosper Africa trade and business initiative, emphasized the significance of these agreements in bolstering strategic and economic partnerships between the U.S. and African nations.
Robinson highlighted the strategic importance of leveraging the continent’s youthful population to foster sustainable business deals that not only create employment opportunities but also pave the way for mutual prosperity during a virtual media briefing on December 12.
Judd Devermont, the U.S. National Security Council senior director for African Affairs, lauded the record-setting year for U.S.-Africa relations, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to invest a whopping $55 billion over three years. In an encouraging update, Devermont shared that the U.S. has already fulfilled over 40% of this commitment, with the anticipation of surpassing 70% by the end of the second year.
The noteworthy progress in U.S.-Africa relations comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s unequivocal pledge to prioritize the continent, aptly epitomized during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington where he vowed to go “all in” on Africa.
This diplomatic overture by the U.S. signifies a concerted effort to deepen its engagement with Africa, evidently in response to China’s expansive foray into the continent through infrastructure projects, investments, and loans. Devermont underscored the multifaceted importance of Africa, not just from an economic standpoint but also its political significance. He pointed out the U.S.’s persistent advocacy for increased representation of African voices on the global stage, citing President Biden’s call for the African Union to secure a permanent seat on the G20 and advocating for Sub-Saharan Africa to occupy a third seat on the IMF board.
However, the U.S. has navigated its investment and trade strategies in conflict-affected countries by imposing sanctions in Sudan as part of its policy and showing a readiness to ease assistance and potential investments in Niger, contingent upon a return to democratic governance.
In addition to trade and investment, the U.S. has also intensified its focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict in Africa, with a keen emphasis on promoting democratic elections and anti-corruption measures.
The U.S.’s proactive approach in bolstering economic ties with Africa, coupled with its strategic interventions in conflict-affected countries, underscores its renewed commitment to the continent, setting the stage for a compelling paradigm shift in the global power dynamic.
This article originally appeared in VOA’s English to Africa Service.
