Washington, D.C. — The United States should increase trade and boost its alliances with African nations to help advance U.S. interests on a continent that is more stable, prosperous, and democratic, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.
At a time when China and Europe are also fiercely competing to engage in Africa, it is critical that the United States find itself on the right side of history by standing with those on the continent embracing free governments and markets, the report says.
The Trump administration should make it a priority to immediately staff key positions at the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development related to Africa. In addition, the administration and Congress should:
- Encourage greater economic integration across Africa—not just through trade agreements—but also by assistance and diplomacy designed to cut transport times and reduce other nontariff obstacles to goods, services, and people moving more freely on the continent
- Renew their commitment to democracy and the rule of law at a time when Africa is demonstrating important, but uneven, progress
- Redouble efforts to make the Power Africa initiative a success in helping to increase electricity access across the continent
Read the report: “From Threat to Opportunity: Rethinking U.S. Relations in Africa,” by John Norris and Carolyn Kenney.
For more information or to talk to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.