As China and Russia become more influential in Africa, the US has stated that it is the best option for the continent.
These three global powers are actively competing for partnership with Africa while the US tries to maintain its influence there. However, in recent years, Africa has been leaning more towards China and Russia.
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stresses that America is committed to being Africa’s ideal partner. Despite China and Russia having higher approval ratings in Africa than the US, Raimondo said that the US is still the best choice for Africa, offering a partnership with “no strings attached.”
She emphasized that Africa has the freedom to make its own choices, and the US won’t force its views on the continent. “We think we’re the best, we offer opportunities that align with your values of freedom and democracy, and we want to be your chosen partner,” she said during an interview in Nairobi.
On her first official trip to Africa, she met with Kenyan President William Ruto at the AmCham Business Summit. “I just had a great meeting with President Ruto. I told him: we’re not here to lecture, we’re here to partner, to learn from you, and to invest in your people and your country,” she explained.
Currently, China is Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade expected to hit a record $282.1 billion by 2023. Its Belt and Road Initiative, which significantly invests in infrastructure across Africa, has played a major role in increasing China’s influence in the region. Meanwhile, Russia is also boosting its presence in Africa through resources, training, trade, nuclear deals, and infrastructure projects. Russia recently reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso after being absent for over three decades.
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