February 8, 2025

The leaders of the US and Africa must adopt radical new thinking on each other if the summit that starts in Washington DC on 13 December to deliver meaningful results.

After publishing a new US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa in August the summit aims to emphasize the long-term commitment of the United States to Africa; development of new economic engagement; and expanding collaboration on shared global priorities.

However, while the new strategy and summit reflect the importance of US-Africa relations they also reflect a difficult background.

The unequal engagement of the US must end

Former President Trump’s infamous comment about ‘shithole countries’ will not soon be forgotten. Suspicion remains among African politicians that these attitudes may be widespread, if rarely poorly expressed.

Over the past decade the US has suffered a major loss of geopolitical influence across the continent. The new strategy paper emphasizes precisely that China and Russia are actively seeking influence in Africa but fail to own that the loss of the US position in Africa is not due to being outcompeted but due to a lack of interest.

China’s financing of major infrastructure projects on the continent and financing of its growing technology sector seem to leave little room for American involvement.

Similarly, the silence of many African countries regarding the conflict in Ukraine clearly signals that they do not believe that the enemies of the West should be their own enemies.

No African country wants its support to be taken for granted in geo-political contests and most are happy to express frustration, or act accordingly, when that is the case. Russia and China may not be the best partners for African countries in many ways but they are consistent.

The US must realize that international influence is not a faucet that can be turned on and off at will, the past counts for all losses. The withdrawal of the US under Trump is well known to Africans, who are more aware than ever of the geopolitical importance of Africa.

Improving bi-lateral relations is important

The Biden administration has tried to set a cooperative and constructive tone in international relations with African countries. Antony Blinken’s multi-country visit to sub-Saharan Africa last August was intended to take concrete steps to realize America’s stated ambition to be Africa’s partner for the future.

However, there is a tension here. US thinking too easily oscillates between treating each African country as a discrete polity, with particular strengths and challenges; and dispel the idea of ​​Africa where one size fits all.

It should not be forgotten that most African countries gained independence around the 1960s, with some of them still suffering deep wounds from Levantine and European exploitation not the least of which is the destruction of institutions.

So yes, time is needed for African countries to define and express themselves. But by clearly identifying, prioritizing, and articulating what it wants from its relationship with the United Sates, every African country can stem the tide of US thinking and build a true bi -lateral conversation.

Deeper interaction will show that the American people’s penchant for quick solutions needs to be replaced with the recognition that not only do quick fixes not work, but they can do more harm than good as countries in Africa will grow in wealth and confidence.

Understanding each other’s concepts of democracy

Those European powers that were least inclined to withdraw from Africa after World War II in the face of the African people’s desire for independence were often placed under significant pressure from the United States. This reflects the foundation of America’s opposition to empire and belief in democracy.

This does not mean that the American model of democracy is the same. Every African country has its own political traditions, long before the arrival of European colonialists.

Often disregarding a nation’s history, social fabric, political reality and implementation capacity and readiness, the US must recognize that sustainable, organic democracy is homegrown. It cannot be imported.

Democracy cannot, and should not, be an overnight success. However, it is only with time, after trials and failures, that democracy can be firmly entrenched.

Similarly, Africans should appreciate that the American insistence on open societies and democracy is not based on attitudes of superiority or cultural imperialism but is an inherent part of their culture and institutional belief.

In practical terms this means, for example, that the often isolation and tolerance of imperfect African leaders must give way to comprehensive and empathetic conversations whenever possible.

Financial development and distribution

A fertile route to facilitate restored relations runs through the rapid growth of the continent’s energy needs. Large private capital investment and consistent, informed government support are both needed to address the challenges of the climate crisis, and build power systems fit for the second half of the century.

It offers the US government and US companies the opportunity to build a sustainable, mutually beneficial presence in countries across the continent, through infrastructure and joint ownership of assets. American commercial expertise in green energy and capital could be a factor in Africa’s green revolution. Sustainable capitalism should provide a counter to China’s focus on extractives and the SOE-led development model.

Accordingly, the US strategy outlines the centrality of a fair energy transition and US green energy investors managing more than US$1 trillion in assets visited South Africa in conjunction with Blinken’s tour of the region.

Adaptation of thinking between the many state actors and private capital will be key, with differences in business cultures respected. Seeing Americans in terms of ministerial protocols or legal acts is not productive. Although that does not mean business ethics in African countries has no room for adaptation.

The real or perceived American desire to achieve a quick return on investment must be replaced by well-thought-out economic and investment strategies, adapted to the complexity of the African continent.

Same time next year?

Bringing about a change in mindsets is undoubtedly the most challenging part of international dialogue. It requires empathy, understanding and perseverance. However, when thoughts change, real change can happen.

The last US-African leaders’ summit was in 2014 – if we wait until 2030 to see the next one we may be talking about potential rather than action, and the need for new thinking. Let’s get it right this time.

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