By Nana kwame Bediako
In recent years, the United States has been losing its influence on the African continent as many African nations have turned to China and Russia for trade and investments. In a bid to reconnect, the U.S. is adopting a fresh approach by prioritizing key investments that target Africa’s burgeoning young population. In the heart of Accra, Ghana, a digital lab in the deprived community of Choko is offering computer lessons to young Ghanaians, many of whom are encountering computers for the first time. This initiative, led by American social entrepreneur Patricia Wilkins, aims to build digital literacy skills from the ground up.
The program, which launched just a few months ago, has already seen success with its first cohort of students. Twenty-five students have graduated with their first certificates in hardware and networking, and the program is now in its second cohort with nearly 100 students enrolled across three classes. Sponsored by American digital communications technology firm Cisco, the lab is part of a broader U.S. initiative to expand digital access and literacy in Africa, which has been a key focus since 2022. This initiative has fostered increased commercial engagement between African and American companies in the digital sector.
With Africa’s youth population growing rapidly, the U.S. sees an opportunity to invest in the continent’s future while establishing a partnership based on shared interests. Historically, America’s influence in Africa was significant, with the U.S. funding major infrastructure projects, providing security support, and rolling out substantial trade deals. However, the landscape has shifted, with China and Russia emerging as prominent players. Analysts attribute this change to the U.S.’s focus on countering China’s influence in Asia, which relegated Africa to a lower priority.
In the past two decades, China has become sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner, with around 20 percent of the region’s exports going to China and about 16 percent of Africa’s imports coming from the Asian giant. China has also become a major creditor, funding significant infrastructure projects across the continent. Meanwhile, Russia is making strides, particularly in the Sahel region. Analysts suggest that African countries should align their interests to secure the most favorable deals, and initiatives like the digital lab in Accra could be pivotal for the U.S. to regain its influence.
As the U.S. seeks to counter China’s growing presence in Africa, projects that empower the continent’s youth through education and technology may prove to be a strategic advantage. By investing in digital literacy and fostering partnerships with African nations, the U.S. hopes to rekindle its influence and establish a mutually beneficial relationship with Africa’s next generation.
