The United States will in the coming years and months pursue modern, comprehensive trade agreements on the continent that ensure fair and reciprocal exchange between the United States and the nations of Africa. That was the message from national security adviser, Ambassador John Bolton, when he outlined the Trump administration’s new Africa strategy branded “Prosper Africa”, recently. “We will begin these negotiations on a bilateral basis, and focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Bolton. “Our new economic initiatives in Africa will help support American jobs and expand market access for US exports while promoting sustainable growth in African countries," he said. “We will focus our economic efforts on African governments that act with us as strategic partners and which are striving toward improved governance and transparent business practices.” He said the new Africa strategy would target US funding toward key countries and particular strategic objectives. “All US aid on the continent will advance US interests and help African nations move toward selfreliance,” he added. He said the likes of China and Russia were rapidly expanding their financial and political influence across Africa. “They are deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the United States. “From 2016-2017, China’s foreign direct investment toward Africa totalled $6.4 billion. And, over the past several years, China has devoted considerable statedirected and statesupported financing to projects in the region. “China uses bribes, opaque agreements, and the strategic use of debt to hold states in Africa captive to Beijing’s wishes and demands. Its investment ventures are riddled with corruption, and do not meet the same environmental or ethical standards as US developmental programmes.” He believes these actions are sub-components of broader Chinese strategic initiatives, including “One Belt, One Road” – a plan to develop a series of trade routes leading to and from China with the ultimate goal of advancing Chinese global dominance. “In Africa we are already seeing the disturbing effects of China’s quest to obtain more political, economic and military power.” “Zambia, for example, is currently in debt to China to the tune of $6 to $10 billion dollars. China is now poised to take over Zambia’s national power and utility company in order to collect on Zambia’s financial obligations.” He said Russia was also seeking to increase its influence in the region through “corrupt” economic dealings.
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Zambia, for example, is currently in debt to China to the tune of $6 to $10 billion dollars. – John Bolton
