Op-ed by Ted Carter

I have been fascinated with Africa’s natural beauty and the strength of its people since I visited the continent years ago. A picture on my desk reminds me of one of my most joyous life moments, running on the shore of the Red Sea with a group of African kids without a care. Though separated by culture and thousands of miles, we bonded instantly as members of the African diaspora. This cherished memory still brings a smile to my face 20 years later.

Strength and Inspiration from Nelson Mandela

After nominally studying the impact of colonialism in college, my interest in Africa accelerated during Nelson Mandela’s triumphant visit to NYC in June 1990 following his release from prison after 27 years of fighting the injustices of apartheid. Mandela’s powerful speech at Yankee Stadium, where he spoke of the unbreakable cord that connects African Americans and Africans, has served as a source of strength, inspiration, and a personal call to action for me.

The Power of Community Relationships

I have operated at the nexus of government, community, and business throughout my career, focusing on advancing equitable development projects. I have had the privilege of executing economic opportunities that build and unite communities. Relationships between American and African communities are at a critical point. It is time to form a strong and sustainable connection to Africa.

An African Renaissance

Africa is being rediscovered and arguably beginning to enjoy a renaissance. Africa is now at the forefront of global entertainment, sports culture, international news, and business. Consider the international commercial success of Marvel’s Black Panther and the unprecedented resonance of the fictional Wakanda, which has created considerable pride in Black communities. Consider Morocco’s historic triumphant performance in the World Cup as well, where they became the first African country to be part of the World Cup final Four. The National Institutes of Health discussed Africa’s management of COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic as a notable success compared to many other continents. Thousands of Americans have decided to make Africa their new home, as seen in many articles about Ghana and other countries within the continent.

Seizing a Unique Moment

This unique moment of convergence can change the narrative of how Africa is perceived and valued here in the United States, where we have had a lackluster engagement with and perception of Africa.

We can no longer ignore these facts:

• Africa is the 2nd largest continent in the world and the 2nd most populous, comprised of 55 countries and 1.2 billion people and consumers. The continent’s population is projected to be 2.5 billion by 2050.
• In 2017, four of the fastest-growing economies in the world were located in Sub-Saharan Africa:  Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
• Africa is now at the center of keen geopolitical interest, given the presence and availability of the continent’s unmatched resources: oil, natural gas, gold, diamonds, ore, cocoa beans, sugar, oil, uranium, and silver. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Chinese foreign direct investment in the continent grew at an average compound rate of 18% annually between 2004-2016.
• The United States has recently accentuated its recognition of Africa as a key strategic geopolitical asset it has always been. This is evidenced by Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent successful visit to 3 African countries and President Biden’s U.S. Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C. last December (40 African leaders attended). Both initiatives are designed to highlight and strengthen U.S. – Africa ties in an effort to lessen the impact of the significant inroads that the Chinese government has made relationally on the continent. These efforts must now be followed quickly by encouraging meaningful private sector investment and business partnerships.
• Immigration from Africa has been the driver of Black immigrant growth to the U.S.  In 2019, people of African origin comprised 43% of Black immigrants in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.
• Visual Capitalist ranks the countries in sub-Saharan Africa as some of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Learn more about Eastern African countries with these interesting top 40 facts

There is an opportunity here. It is time for African Americans to continue to rediscover the value of African culture and pride while seeing the opportunity to reconnect the unbreakable cord that Nelson Mandela spoke of.

How can African Americans be more engaged with Africa? A  few top-line ideas:

• Elevate trade, cultural and intellectual exchange, and dialogue with Africa. You might begin with traveling to the continent and developing intentional relationships with African business leaders and communities, connecting them to U.S. Black business opportunities.
• Make a personal commitment to get to know someone from the African diaspora in your community.
• Understand U.S. policy toward Africa and encourage your elected officials to engage more with the continent in business development and relationships, as well as on issues such as sustainability, oil, and food production.
• Download a report from Brookings on the top priorities or Africa in 2024 here.

Critics and skeptics will rightly point to Africa’s significant political and corruption challenges. These conditions are undeniable. However, they are no greater than in other parts of the developing world, where the United States has declared its interest in promoting democracy and shaping investment. In addition, there is an argument to be made that these conditions are, in part, the legacy of colonialism and must be rectified. Given the resources and potential economic opportunities, a true partnership between Americans and Africans would be phenomenal, particularly between African Americans and the continent. Wouldn’t it be a delicious irony if the next era of globalization, with Africa at its center, is led and influenced by descendants of slaves?

Creating Equitable Engagement

Sustainable and equitable engagement with Africa is more important than ever – we should not allow other nations to take the lead.

Now is Africa’s moment – let’s reconnect the cord and shape our collective global future! Amandla!

To learn more about the African Renaissance, visit here.