At a conference with dozens of the leaders of state
from the continent, US President Joe Biden promised billions of dollars in
additional investment for the region.
President Biden informed the 49 African leaders
present at the meeting in Washington, DC, "The United States is all in on
Africa's future."
It is the first such event that Washington has held
in eight years.
The conference is perceived as the US's effort to
exert its influence in Africa once again in opposition to Chinese
participation.
Additionally, it follows Donald Trump's four years
in power, during which time he alienated many African leaders with his policy
choices and nasty remarks.
In stark contrast to his predecessor, Mr. Biden
adopted an upbeat tone as he told the audience that enhanced ties with Africa
"The United States gains when Africa does. Quite simply, success extends
to the entire planet."
He vowed to continue on the "important"
investments made in Africa by past US administrations and claimed that the
issues the globe is currently experiencing require African leadership, ideas,
and solutions.
In order to do this, Mr. Biden proposed $55 billion
(£44 billion) in US financing for Africa over the following three years. The
total includes $100 million for sustainable energy initiatives and $350 million
for digital technologies and internet connectivity.
A agreement between the US and the African
Continental Free Trade Area, one of the largest free-trade zones in the world,
is also about to be signed. According to Vice President Biden, this would
"open new prospects for trade and investment" between the US and
Africa.
In order to push for a free election in 2023, Mr.
Biden met individually with the six heads of state of African countries on the
fringes of the summit on Wednesday.
The US president is also anticipated to support the
African Union's entry as a permanent member of the Group of 20 major economies
before the summit concludes on Thursday. He could also reveal plans to visit
the continent in the coming months.
The conference is largely regarded as Mr. Biden's
effort to regain influence in Africa through personal diplomacy in addition to
financial and economic support.
Many have remarked that America is attempting to
catch up with other nations that have strengthened their connections with
Africa in recent years, notably Russia and especially China.