Judd Devermont on the State of U.S. Foreign Policy in Africa
Oct 11, 2024
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Judd Devermont, former senior director of African Affairs at the National Security Council and operating partner at Kupanda Capital, discusses the implications of President Biden's postponed trip to Angola. He highlights how this reflects on U.S.-Africa relations and contrasts U.S. approaches to infrastructure with China's Belt and Road Initiative. The conversation also delves into the need for local partnerships in projects like the Lobito Corridor and the importance of African nations in global governance amidst geopolitical tensions.
The cancellation of President Biden's Angola trip underscores the perception that U.S.-Africa relations remain a lower priority compared to other regions.
The Lobito Corridor represents a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing regional economic integration while navigating the challenges of geopolitical competition with China.
U.S. officials are advocating for infrastructure investments that prioritize sustainable economic growth and African autonomy, distinguishing their approach from China's debt-driven model.
Deep dives
Cancellation of Biden's Visit to Angola
U.S. President Joe Biden recently canceled his planned visit to Angola, which was highly anticipated as it would have marked his first trip to Africa as president. The cancellation was due to severe weather conditions in South Florida, specifically the approaching hurricanes, which necessitated his presence at home for disaster preparedness. This decision elicited mixed reactions from Angolans, who experienced a blend of disappointment and understanding, recognizing the unforeseen circumstances while lamenting the lost opportunity for bilateral engagement. There is concern about when a new date for the trip might be set, considering upcoming political challenges in the U.S. that could further delay such engagements.
Impact on U.S.-Africa Relations
The cancellation has raised questions about the state of U.S.-Africa relations, revealing a perception that Africa is a lower priority in U.S. foreign policy compared to other regions. Despite understandable reasons for the trip's postponement, the optics of U.S. leadership on the continent seem to falter in the face of China's consistent engagement, especially during crises like the pandemic. Observers suggest that this missed opportunity could hinder progress on initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor, which is crucial for logistical and resource management across southern Africa. As geopolitical competition intensifies, U.S. priorities could be overshadowed if these diplomatic relationships are not actively nurtured.
The Lobito Corridor and Infrastructure Development
The Lobito Corridor is described as a multifaceted development project that encompasses not just transportation logistics, but also agricultural, telecommunications, and renewable energy initiatives. This corridor aims to support the strategic movement of critical minerals from Angola through its railway and port into Zambia and beyond, enhancing regional economic integration. However, a significant challenge remains in ensuring that the U.S. approach to strengthening infrastructure ties differs from China's practice, which has often resulted in unsustainable debt for African nations. U.S. officials emphasize a model that avoids imposing additional debt burdens while facilitating in-country investments to stimulate economic growth.
Comparative Engagement: U.S. vs. China
Discussions highlight the contrasting methodologies between U.S. and Chinese investments in Africa, particularly concerning infrastructure projects like the Lobito Corridor. The U.S. is seeking to enable African governments to work closely with private developers, aiming to foster sustainable economic growth rather than creating a dependent debt relationship reminiscent of previous Chinese offerings. U.S. officials have expressed the need to ensure that any benefits from these infrastructures remain primarily within Africa, emphasizing a collaborative approach instead of extractive practices. This pivot aims to link African economic aspirations with global market demands while reinforcing African autonomy in resource management.
Concerns Over Implementation and Competition
Despite the strategic intent behind U.S. engagement, concerns remain regarding the practical implementation of projects like the Lobito Corridor, particularly in the context of broader governance and infrastructural challenges in Africa. Observers note that previous collaborations in the continent have at times faltered due to political instability and logistical difficulties, raising doubts about the effectiveness of ambitious transnational projects. Moreover, the competition for investment is fierce, with countries like the Philippines making strides in establishing battery supply chains that Africa is yet to fully capitalize on. The urgency for African leaders to swiftly execute developmental strategies becomes increasingly paramount in ensuring that they do not miss out on opportunities in the evolving global market.
U.S. President Joe Biden was supposed to be in Angola this week, fulfilling a pledge to visit the continent he made back at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. But with massive hurricanes pounding the southern United States, the president was forced to postpone the visit.
The trip to Angola would have marked a major milestone for Biden. The southwestern African country is the showcase for the president's global infrastructure investment program, which is widely seen as Washington's effort to rival China's Belt and Road Initiative.
What does the president's cancellation of his trip this week say about Washington's larger Africa policy? Not a whole lot, according to Judd Devermont, the former senior director of African Affairs at the National Security Council and now an operating partner at Kupanda Capital in Washington, D.C.
Judd joins Eric to discuss the latest trends in U.S. foreign policy in Africa and what role China now plays in the White House's strategy.
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