Sub-Saharan Africa plays a critical role in advancing global priorities to the benefit of Africans and Americans. It has one of the world's fastest growing populations, largest free trade areas, most diverse ecosystems, and one of the largest regional voting groups in the United Nations (UN). It is impossible to meet today's defining challenges without African contributions and leadership. The region will factor prominently in efforts to: end the COVID-19 pandemic; tackle the climate crisis; reverse the global tide of democratic backsliding; address global food insecurity; promote gender equity and equality; strengthen an open and stable international system; shape the rules of the world on vital issues like trade, cyber, and emerging technologies; and confront the threat of terrorism, conflict, and transnational crime.
Building on the Biden-Harris Administration's actions and commitments to deepen our engagement and partnerships in Africa during the past year, the strategy articulates our new vision for a 21st Century U.S.-African Partnership. It recognizes the tremendous, positive opportunities that exist to advance shared interests alongside our African partners. At the same time, we acknowledge that Africa's potential will continue to be challenged as long as deadly conflicts divide societies, corruption impedes economic progress, food insecurity heightens the risk of famine and malnutrition, and repression stifles human rights and democratic expression. As President Biden noted in his address to the African Union last year, "none of this is going to be easy but the United States stands ready now to be your partner, in solidarity, support, and mutual respect."
The new U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa represents a reframing of Africa's importance to U.S. national security interests. We will pursue four main objectives in sub-Saharan Africa:
- FOSTER OPENNESS AND OPEN SOCIETIES
The United States has an abiding interest in ensuring the region remains open and accessible to all and that governments and publics are able to make their own political choices, consistent with international obligations. Open societies are generally more inclined to work in common cause with the United States, attract greater U.S. trade and investment, pursue policies to improve conditions for their citizens, and counter harmful activities by the People's Republic of China, Russia, and other actors. We will foster openness and open societies, including by:
- Promoting government transparency and accountability
- Increasing our focus on rule of law, justice, and dignity
- Assisting African countries to more transparently leverage their natural resources for sustainable development
