A Historical Overview of US-Africa Economic Ties
For many years, the narrative surrounding US-Africa trade relations was defined largely by intermittent attention. Previous US administrations have expressed interest, but their intentions often lacked continuity. The recent endeavors, however, emerge under a backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the accelerated growth of developing economies like India and China in African trade, and a potential shift in global trade dynamics.
Historically, the US’s economic interactions with Africa have been dominated by development aid and the extraction of natural resources. The recent shift, articulated by figures like Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, marks a departure from traditional aid towards an investment and private-sector-driven growth model.
Despite the rich resources and potential that Africa offers, US trade with the continent has remained relatively static for a decade, largely driven by oil. The narrative, however, is beginning to change. The diversification is evident in the rise of manufactured goods trade. This movement from primary resources, like oil, to manufactured goods such as textiles and refined metals signals a maturing trade relationship.
The Evolving Investment Landscape
While the trade front has seen some shifts, foreign direct investments (FDI) between the US and Africa have lagged. The 2021 US direct investment in Africa stood at US$44.8 billion. Despite the stagnation in FDI, employment figures tell a different story. US-owned companies employed significantly more individuals in Africa in 2020 than they did in 2012. Interestingly, African investments in the US have been on an upward trend, highlighting the growing economic clout of the continent.
The potential for expanded economic cooperation is clear. By improving infrastructure, streamlining regulatory procedures, and enhancing access to various economic resources, both the US and African nations can greatly benefit. Instruments like the AfCFTA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and other trade agreements play a pivotal role in this.
AGOA, established in 2000, stands out as a noteworthy initiative. By introducing additional tariff lines, it has supported and diversified trade, although its impact has been uneven across sectors and countries. While the act has supported growth in specific industries, its overall contribution to sub-Saharan African growth has been limited. The inherent nature of programs like AGOA limits their reach, necessitating more comprehensive trade frameworks.
Engaging the Future: Initiatives and Summits
The US-Africa Summit in December 2022 underscored the Biden administration’s renewed focus on Africa. Apart from significant financial commitments, there was a strong emphasis on fostering digital transformation, promoting private-sector participation, and improving economic integration.
In the aftermath of the Summit, key US figures have made their presence felt in Africa, signaling serious intent. The economic landscape can, indeed, be shaped by high-level visits, as they often set the tone for future collaborations and can be instrumental in forging robust economic ties.
Further illustrating the evolving relationship is the US-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), which is among the several targeted engagements the Biden administration is pursuing. It aims to cover a myriad of sectors, ensuring that trade isn’t just about exchange of goods but a more integrated and comprehensive collaboration. While STIP may not be as expansive as a full FTA, its model is being touted as the way forward for engaging with other African countries.
Africa: A Global Economic Powerhouse in the Making
Forecasts by institutions like the IMF paint a promising picture for sub-Saharan Africa, predicting that its growth rates will surpass global averages in the coming years. Such projections, coupled with demographic data that suggests Africa will be home to a significant portion of the global population by 2050, underscore the continent’s importance.
The future, as USTR Katherine Tai aptly put it, is Africa. The continent’s increasing significance on the global stage is undeniable. However, while the intent to engage more effectively with Africa is clear among global leaders, the mechanisms of this engagement remain a topic of debate.
The use of less comprehensive tools, such as AGOA and STIP, raises questions about the depth of commitment from parties like the US. On the other hand, African nations themselves face the challenge of ramping up intra-continental integration to present a unified and appealing front to foreign investors. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the potential for a mutually beneficial economic partnership between the US and Africa has never been more palpable.
Centurion Plus
Are you an entrepreneur, a start-up or a SME with the goal to start up between or in Africa and Germany? Then our team will happily assist you on the legal side! We are specialized both in supporting multicultural businesses in Germany, in supporting African businesses in Germany and in supporting businesses across various African jurisdictions. While our support starts with providing help on immigration and relocation matters, it does not stop there – taxes, tech, intellectual property…You heard us! Contact us today to find out more!
