US rethinking Africa: From problem-solving to opportunity-driven engagement 

The global push for influence on the African continent has been a topic of interest for many years, with various countries seeking to establish a presence in Africa for different reasons. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, has focused on infrastructure development, while Russia has increasingly looked to Africa after being sanctioned by the West for its invasion of Ukraine. The United States, on the other hand, has mainly been present on the continent through humanitarian assistance, development aid, and security. However, there appears to be a shift in the US approach to Africa, with the Biden administration now viewing the continent as an opportunity rather than a problem.

According to Gyude Moore, a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development and a former Liberian minister, this shift is due to several reasons. First, there has been a significant increase in Chinese influence on the continent over the past 20 years, and the US sees China as a peer competitor. As China’s influence grows, the US perceives a decline in American interest, which has prompted the US to shore up its influence on the continent. Second, in international affairs, it is not enough to be a powerful country; one must have a compelling narrative and vision of the future and get as many countries as possible to support that vision.

The recent visit by US Vice President Kamala Harris to Africa is a part of this effort to establish a stronger presence on the continent. The US wants to engage with Africa as a partner and not simply as a problem. This approach builds on the new Africa strategy launched by the US in August 2022 and the African leaders summit. The US has also scheduled high-level visits to other African countries, including a visit by Secretary of Education Cardona to Zambia.

Here are five reflections for African private and public sector leaders to consider from the article:

Shift from problem-focused to opportunity-focused engagement: Private sector and public sector leaders in Africa should shift their focus from solely addressing problems to identifying opportunities. The US is now engaging with Africa through a lens of opportunity, and African leaders should do the same.

Address the rise of Chinese influence: With China’s increasing influence in Africa, private sector and public sector leaders should be aware of the implications for their countries and consider ways to balance China’s involvement with other partners.

Develop a compelling narrative for the future: To gain support from other countries and strengthen their position in international affairs, African private sector and public sector leaders should develop a compelling narrative and vision for the future of their countries and the continent.

Consider the zero-sum interpretation of great power competition: African private and public sector leaders should understand the zero-sum interpretation of great power competition, where any gain for one power is perceived as a loss for another. As such, leaders should carefully navigate relationships with different global powers.

Recognize the importance of engagement beyond aid: While aid is an important component of engagement, private and public sector leaders in Africa should recognize the importance of engagement beyond aid. The US is now engaging with Africa at a high level, and African leaders should also prioritize engagement with partners beyond aid.

Let me conclude as an executive coach and leadership researcher and consultant who’s had the opportunity to engage two African presidents.

As African private and public sector leaders reflect on the US shift towards a more opportunistic approach in Africa, they must also ask themselves, “What role can we play in shaping this new narrative and vision for the future?” It’s time to move beyond a perception of Africa as a problem to be solved, and instead focus on the vast opportunities that the continent offers. Let’s work towards strengthening partnerships and collaborations with the US and other global players, while also prioritizing our own strategic interests and goals. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Africa and the world.