By Theodore (Ted) Carter with contributions from Lucky Murinda

Introduction

The African Renaissance, a concept first articulated by Senegalese author and political leader Cheikh Anta Diop and later popularized by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, presents the vision and hope that Africa will overcome its current challenges and achieve cultural, scientific, and economic renewal. This concept has been a guiding light for the continent, inspiring a sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future.

Africa’s population is the world’s youngest and is rapidly growing. The current  population is estimated at approximately 1.48 billion and expected to nearly double to 2.5 billion people by 2050. Such a young and growing population presents a vast reservoir of human capital and potential that could drive significant economic growth and development. Investing in the health, education, and skills training of youth will pay dividends for decades to come. Vocational programs aligned with job market needs are especially vital.

In 2017, four of the fastest-growing economies in the world were in Sub-Saharan Africa: Ethiopia, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal. These countries achieved impressive growth rates of 10.2%, 8.4%, 7.8%, and 7.2%, respectively, according to the World Bank. They outperformed the regional average of 2.6% and the global average of 3.1%. Their economic performance was driven by a combination of factors including political stability, structural reforms, infrastructure development, agricultural expansion, and increased foreign investment.

More particularly, the expansion of the agricultural sector contributes to food security and poverty reduction, especially as it employs a large share of the population.  The development of the industrial sector, especially in manufacturing, mining, and construction, has increased the value-added and diversification of the African economy.  Finally, the growth of the services sector, especially in telecommunications, finance, and tourism, has enhanced the connectivity and competitiveness of the economy.

Critically, Africa is a continent rich in natural resources, such as oil, natural gas, gold, diamonds, ore, cocoa beans, sugar, oil, uranium, and silver. These resources are vital for the global economy and the development of many industries, such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. Therefore, Africa has become a strategic partner and a competitive arena for many countries, especially the major powers like China, the US, and the EU. One of the most prominent actors in Africa is China, which has increased its foreign direct investment (FDI) in the continent significantly in the past two decades. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Chinese FDI in Africa grew at an average compound rate of 18% annually between 2004 and 2016. In 2013, China’s FDI flows to Africa exceeded those from the US, and its FDI stock in Africa was about 74 billion yuan ($10.14 billion) in 2022.

Africa’s recent economic growth and development have been accompanied by significant political challenges. Despite impressive economic gains, many African countries continue to struggle with poverty, inequality, and corruption. These challenges have contributed to public dissatisfaction and instability, which have manifested in the recent wave of coups d’état in West Africa and the Sahel region. Particularly, the significant political turmoil in 2023 was evidenced and exacerbated by two coups d’état in Burkina Faso and Mali and the ongoing withdrawal of French troops from the region.

In 2023, Burkina Faso experienced its second coup within a year- with Captain Ibrahim Traoré ousting Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba in September. Similarly, Mali witnessed its second coup in May, with Colonel Assimi Goïta consolidating power by removing Colonel Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane from the transitional government. These coups were sparked by popular discontent with incumbent governments, who were perceived as failing to address pressing economic, corruption, and security concerns. The growing influence of the military in both countries also played a role, as soldiers stepped in to fill the void left by weak and ineffective governments. The soldiers’ role in combating jihadist insurgencies lead to increased power and influence within the political landscape. Pan-African sociopolitical viewpoints on foreign intervention fueled a growing anti-French sentiment based on perceptions of neocolonialism and ineffective intervention. These social and political undercurrents contributed to public support for the coups.

The coups have had several consequences to the region, causing heightened political uncertainty about the future of democracy and stability in the region. With the potential for further instability due to power struggles and lack of clear leadership, transitions could fuel further unrest and violence.

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from the Sahel region has further complicated the security situation, creating a vacuum that could be exploited by jihadist groups to expand their operations, and there is a risk that the conflict could spread to other parts of the region. For example, the French departure could lead to increased Russian influence in the region, raising concerns about a proxy conflict. Russia has been expanding its military presence in Africa in recent years, and it is seen as a potential ally by some African governments. However, Russia’s involvement in Africa has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and its support for authoritarian regimes.

Africa is at the center of keen geopolitical interest given its abundant and diverse natural resources. China is one of the major players in Africa, with a growing FDI presence and a complex relationship with the continent. China’s FDI in Africa has both positive and negative effects on the African economies and societies, and it faces competition and cooperation from other actors, such as the US, the EU, and the African Union. Additionally, the Wagner Group, a Russian military company, has become a major player in Africa. It provides security and counterinsurgency help, secures mining rights, and strengthens Russia’s influence, but faces accusations of human rights abuses, lack of transparency, and fueling tensions. Its impact is complex, with both potential benefits and significant risks.

The 2023 coups and the French withdrawal highlight the complex challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes supporting inclusive and accountable governance. International actors should work with regional governments to strengthen democratic institutions and address public grievances. In order to enhance regional cooperation, regional organizations like ECOWAS need to play a more active role in promoting dialogue and conflict resolution. Addressing root causes of instability, tackling poverty, inequality, and lack of development opportunities is crucial for long-term stability. Mostly, it is important for Africa to leverage its resources and its geopolitical position to achieve its own development goals and interests.

The United States and Africa: A New Vision for Partnership

The United States has acknowledged the importance of Africa in advancing global priorities. The Biden-Harris administration has articulated a fresh approach to U.S. policy in Africa, recognizing that the United States can no longer expect to advance its global foreign policy priorities without the partnership of African governments, institutions, and peoples. This was underscored by its recent summit of African leaders held in December of 2023, where President Biden announced a series of new commitments and partnerships to support Africa’s development, democracy, and security. The summit was followed by an extraordinary year of U.S. engagement with Africa, marked by an unprecedented number of visits by Cabinet and senior officials, as well as the mobilization of more than $55 billion in public and private sector investments in Africa over three years. The administration has also welcomed the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and supported the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Africa is a region of strategic importance for the United States, as it plays a critical role in advancing global priorities such as ending the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate crisis, promoting democracy and human rights, enhancing trade and investment, and addressing security and governance challenges. Supporting African interests and sensibilities in an arrow for the US foreign policy quiver, as it seeks to curry favor and retain influence with the BRICS and New South coalitions. The Biden-Harris administration has recognized that the United States cannot achieve its foreign policy objectives without engaging with and supporting Africa’s governments, institutions, and peoples. Therefore, the administration has articulated a new vision for a 21st century U.S.-Africa partnership, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and common values.

The new U.S. strategy toward sub-Saharan Africa, released in August 2022, outlines four main objectives: fostering openness and open societies, delivering democratic and security dividends, expanding economic opportunities and prosperity, and strengthening health and human capital. The strategy represents a reframing of Africa’s importance to U.S. national security interests, and a commitment to work with African partners to address the region’s opportunities and challenges. The strategy also acknowledges the need to counter the harmful activities of the People’s Republic of China, Russia, and other actors, who seek to undermine the region’s openness, stability, and development.

To implement the strategy, the Biden-Harris administration has accelerated high-level engagements, trade and investment initiatives, development and humanitarian assistance, and security and governance cooperation with Africa. In December 2022, President Biden hosted the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, a new era of partnership, marking a turning point in the relationship between the United States and African nations. The summit, which brought together leaders from across the continent, was a testament to the Biden administration’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening ties with Africa. The summit focused on a wide range of shared priorities, including digital transformation, trade and investment, climate change, health, and food security. The United States pledged to invest $55 billion in Africa over the next three years, and U.S. and African businesses, governments, and investors announced investments and partnerships valued at $16.2 billion. Recognizing the transformative power of digital technology, the United States launched the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative. DTA aims to expand digital access and literacy and strengthen digital enabling environments across the continent. This initiative will provide $10.15 million in direct funding and is supported by more than $350 million in existing department and agency digital programming.

The summit also highlighted the urgent need to address climate change. The United States announced the Partnership Opportunity Delegations (PODs) to foster collaboration between the U.S. private sector and West Africa’s climate innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The United States will also support the Accelerating Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEE) program to help women secure green jobs and participate in the clean energy workforce. The United States pledged to strengthen HIV/AIDS health worker leadership in global health through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The United States will also support the Rays of Hope program to fight cancer and the Global Health Security Partnerships to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. The United States announced the Vision for African Crops and Soils (VACS) program to help African farmers adapt to climate change and ensure a sustainable food supply. The United States also announced the 21st Century Partnership for African Security (21PAS) program to enhance security sector governance and build the capacity of African partners to address transnational threats and enhance regional stability and security.

Beyond economic development, the summit also focused on supporting democracy and empowering women. The United States launched the African Democratic and Political Transitions (ADAPT) initiative to engage with complex political transitions in Africa. The United States also announced the Holding Rights, Leading for Rights project to support women with disabilities and the SHE WINS – Women’s Inclusion in New Security project to support women-led civil society organizations working on peace and security.

The U.S.-Africa partnership is not only driven by the U.S. government, but also by the vibrant and diverse connections between the American and African peoples, including the African diaspora in the United States. The administration has launched a landmark diaspora-driven engagement initiative, which aims to leverage the talents, resources, and networks of the African diaspora to support Africa’s development and strengthen the U.S.-Africa relationship. The administration has also increased its support for people-to-people exchanges, educational and cultural programs, and civil society and youth empowerment.

Though Africa faces many challenges, such as poverty, conflict, corruption, disease, climate change, and human rights violations; it also has many opportunities, such as natural resources, economic potential, innovation, and cultural richness. The United States has a strategic interest in engaging with Africa, as it is a key partner in advancing peace and security, democracy and governance, trade and investment, health and education, and environmental sustainability. Though the Biden-Harris administration has demonstrated its nominal interest in Africa through political engagement, African Americans need to encourage more sustainable and concrete actions that align with and reflet 21^st century domestic demographic political sensibilities. The U.S. – Africa partnership is not only beneficial for both sides, but also as a vehicle for addressing prudently pressing and emerging global challenges.

Engaging African Americans with Africa

The relationship between African Americans and Africa has been complex and varied, influenced by historical, political, cultural, and personal factors. Here are some examples of how these factors have influenced the relationship between African Americans and Africa:

Historical factors: The transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent enslavement of millions of Africans in the Americas created a rupture in the connection between African Americans and their ancestral homeland. However, some African Americans maintained or revived aspects of their African heritage, such as language, religion, music, and art. Others sought to return to Africa or establish colonies there, such as the American Colonization Society, the Back-to-Africa movement, the Pan-Africanist movement and the recent Back to Ghana initiative.

Political factors: The struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States and the fight for independence and liberation in Africa inspired solidarity and activism among African Americans and Africans. Some prominent African American leaders, such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, advocated for closer ties and cooperation between the two groups. However, some political differences and conflicts also emerged, such as the Cold War, the apartheid regime in South Africa, and the Rwandan genocide.

Cultural factors: The exchange of cultural expressions and influences between African Americans and Africans has been rich and diverse, spanning various fields such as literature, music, art, film, fashion, and sports. Some examples of cultural icons and movements that have bridged the gap between the two groups are the Harlem Renaissance, the Negritude movement, the Black Arts movement, the Afrobeat genre, the Black Panther film, and the Afrofuturism movement. The recent release of Disney’s Iwájú and the Grammy’s designation of a category for African music represent further examples of African culture’s accelerating traction and mainstream commercial appeal.

Personal factors: The personal experiences and identities of African Americans and Africans have shaped their perceptions and attitudes toward each other. Some factors that affect their personal relationship are migration, education, religion, language, ethnicity, class, gender, and race. Some African Americans and Africans have developed positive and meaningful relationships through friendship, marriage, family, work, and travel. However, some have also encountered challenges and tensions due to stereotypes, prejudices, discrimination, and misunderstandings. African Americans have contributed to the development of Africa in various ways, such as supporting the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid movements, promoting trade and investment, providing humanitarian and development assistance, and fostering cultural and educational exchanges.

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

To elevate trade, cultural and intellectual exchange, and dialogue with Africa, African Americans can take advantage of various programs and initiatives that facilitate these interactions, such as Prosper Africa, the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, the Young African Leaders Initiative, the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and the Fulbright Program.

To make a personal commitment to get to know someone from the African diaspora in your community, African Americans can join or support local organizations that promote the interests and welfare of African immigrants and refugees, such as the African Communities Together, The African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation, The African Services Committee, and The African Women’s Development Fund USA.

To understand U.S. policy toward Africa and to encourage your elected officials to engage more with the continent, African Americans can follow and participate in the work of various institutions and networks that advocate for a more constructive and comprehensive U.S.-Africa policy, such as the Africa Policy Forum, The Africa Program at the Wilson Center, The Africa Center at the Atlantic Council, The Constituency for Africa, and The Congressional Black Caucus.

Indeed, Africa’s political and corruption challenges are significant. However, these issues are not unique to Africa but are prevalent in many parts of the developing world. The United States has expressed its interest in promoting democracy and shaping investment in these regions, including Africa. Additionally, the argument that these conditions are, in part, a legacy of colonialism is supported by historical evidence. Colonial rule dramatically transformed Africa, often leading to economic distortions and underdevelopment. Therefore, rectifying these conditions is crucial for Africa’s progress. The potential for a partnership between Americans and Africans, particularly African Americans, is indeed phenomenal. Such a partnership could leverage the cultural, social, and economic ties between these communities to foster mutual growth and development.

The potential for Africa to be the center of the next era of globalization is within reach. With its abundant resources, young population, and growing economic opportunities, Africa has the potential to play a significant role in global supply chains and high-technology sectors. If this era is shaped and guided by the descendants of those once enslaved, it would stand as a resounding testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience.

Africa’s potential for growth and development  should have great appeal to investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. A partnership with the United States, particularly with African Americans, could be instrumental in realizing this potential. As we move towards a more globalized world, Africa could very well be at the center of this transformation.

Creating Equitable Engagement

Creating equitable engagement, particularly with Africa, requires a multifaceted approach. First, it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences across the continent. This involves listening to and learning from local voices and ensuring their representation in decision-making processes. Second, sustainable engagement must prioritize mutual benefits. This means moving beyond aid and focusing on trade, investment, and partnerships that foster economic growth and development. Third, capacity building is key. By investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we can empower individuals and communities to lead their own development. Lastly, it’s important to address systemic issues such as corruption, conflict, and climate change that can hinder progress. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that engagement with Africa is not only sustainable, but also equitable and empowering. Amandla! (Power to the people!)

To learn more about the first post in this series for Africa’s Moment, visit here.