Africa matters, especially for American policy priorities. The rights and well-being of Africans across the continent have a direct impact on peace and prosperity around the world and can curb mass migration, bolster security and resilience, and promote trade and economic growth. The U.S. has a long history of effective engagement across Africa and should designate the continent as a foreign policy priority.
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When we create meaningful partnerships, we build bridges. These bridges cross boundaries and span chasms that divide us, even between continents.
The United States and countries across Africa share such a bridge through mutually beneficial initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, that has saved 26 million lives to date and allowed nearly 8 million babies to be born HIV-free.
But unfortunately, America has put the bridge at risk, allowing it to splinter and form gaps.
This bridge needs mending.
Africa accounts for 65% of the world’s arable land and just under a third of its mineral reserves.
By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will reside on the continent, with nearly a quarter of the world’s working-age population.
So it’s no surprise that Africa is home to more than half of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies.
But all this potential faces derailment.
Unparalleled political and economic crises have emerged over the last decade. Democratic backsliding and increased corruption in places like Western Africa undermine opportunities.
To capitalize on the situation, Russia and China have hastily built hazardous bridges with Africa, filling the gap left by the U.S.
Moscow and Beijing are expanding regional influence and anti-West sentiment, empowering juntas, extremists, fellow autocrats, and other corrupt actors.
Meanwhile, Chinese predatory loans, more than $182 billion since 2000, exacerbate debt burdens.
In the past, to strengthen our partnership with Africa in support of peace and security everywhere, the U.S. has made strides with exceptional initiatives, including the Millennium Challenge Corporation, advancing economic growth, opportunity, and accountability; U.S. Africa Command, bolstering safety, peace, and prosperity; and PEPFAR, building healthcare infrastructure, saving millions of lives, and supporting U.S.-Africa economic relations.
In fact, U.S. exports to Africa have increased by 300% since the launch of PEPFAR, but more must be done.
Our direct reengagement advances American interests, countering terrorism, preventing conflict, curbing mass migration, and reducing poverty.
A more secure Africa means a more secure America. We must act now to repair the bridge and protect our future together.
