Original Story Published by: Tom Collins for African Business
Photo Source: Getty Images
As the unfolding tariff war between the US and China looms ever larger, Africa finds itself in a bind as the world’s greatest superpowers vie for trade supremacy. While some say that Africa will be forced to pick sides, Africa wisely shows signs of wanting to maximise both partnerships. Yet recent events show Africa moving ever closer to Beijing while Washington undergoes an apparent crisis of confidence in its approach.
As the global competition with China unfolds, the US has become increasingly insecure about its influence in Africa. Watching President Xi Jinping roll out huge investment projects under the One Belt One Road initiative, Washington seems mired in delivering traditional aid and security packages to little fanfare. America is still one of Africa’s most important trading partners and allies, but critics say its engagement looks old-fashioned when compared to China, Japan, India and the Gulf States.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s commitment to “America-first” protectionism and his obvious lack of interest in Africa show every sign of undermining existing efforts to build bridges with the continent.
Isaac Fokuo, founder of the Sino-Africa Centre of Excellence (SACE), describes how the US has faded from view. “Since China replaced the United States as Africa’s largest trading partner in 2009, its trade with the continent has soared by 83% from 2009 to 2011 and surpassed $200bn in 2013,” he says.
“By contrast, US trade with the continent reached an all-time high of $105bn in 2008 and has fallen ever since. China has woken up to the promise of African economies while the US appears sluggish.”
To read the full article, visit African Business.
Related
