Will the incoming Trump administation (click here) fundamentally change U.S. relations with Africa? Republicans with African expertise are promoting continued engagement with the continent which they argue serves American interests. But others believe the bipartisan consensus that has characterized policy for several decades could be upended. Whatever the downsides, could there also be an opportunity for Africa if governments make reforms to attract investors?
Donald Trump should keep an open mind in foreign policy. The status quo is the best if countries are to understand the future and achieve goals. That is especially true of Africa.
18 November 2016
By John Allen
Atlanta — Top U.S experts (click here) who have advised Republican leaders on Africa are concerned about President-elect Donald J. Trump's failure to include any Africans, except Egypt’s ruler, in the first round of calls to foreign heads of state. Two of the advisors are urging Trump to pay attention to the continent, which they argue would serve American business and national security interests.
In a guest column published by AllAfrica, Herman J. (“Hank”) Cohen, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa in the administration of the first President Bush, says the Trump administration would do well to maintain President Barack Obama's “excellent” programs to boost electricity supply and modernize agriculture in Africa, known respectively as Power Africa and Feed the Future.
The programs are good for American national interests, Cohen says: “Under 'Power Africa', American investors can make good profits selling electric power to African utilities while also contributing to African development – a win-win situation. As for agriculture modernization, the more food that Africa produces on its own, the less food the United States will have to send as humanitarian assistance.”...
