President Akufo-Addo is making a strong case for Africa to gain economic independence without being tied to the apron strings of the West. At the ongoing US-African Summit, the President urged African countries to stop “begging” from the West, to merit global respect and change the poor perception about the Continent.
The US-Africa Summit is seen as part of a renewed push to boost ties with Africa. The continent in recent times has seen China gaining considerable influence with trade, investment and lending drives. Nearly 50 African heads of state are attending the first U.S.-Africa summit since 2014.
Key issues on the table are civil conflict, democracy, and space exploration. But to African leaders Trade, Investment, Food Security and the needed support to navigate out of the devastating grips of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said what Africa needs are trade and investment partnerships that will move the continent from being beggars to strong economies.
US President Joe Biden said a new U.S. agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area is in offing and will give American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at 3.4 trillion dollars.
The US has offered 55 billion dollars in support for Africa under the Biden administration for food security, climate change, trade partnerships and more.
