US-AFRICA SUMMIT KICKS OFF IN WASHINGTON: WHAT TO EXPECT

“We need more African voices in international conversations that concern the global economy, democracy and governance, climate change, health, and security,” White House Adviser Judd Devermont said on December 9.

In August, the Biden administration released a new strategy document for sub-Saharan Africa, stressing the region’s importance and promising to extend defence cooperation with like-minded nations.

The region needs billions of dollars a year for roads, railways, dams and power, and in the last decade, it has received huge sums from China, which generally does not tie money to political or rights-related conditions.

As part of this week’s summit, Biden will deliver a keynote address to the US-Africa Business Forum on Wednesday, before hosting a dinner for the world leaders assembled in the United States capital.

The US president is expected to back a permanent spot for the African Union in the Group of 20, a forum for major economies, during the summit. Sullivan said Biden also would express a commitment to UN Security Council reform, “including support for a permanent member” from Africa.

“It’s past time for Africa to have permanent seats at the table in international organisations and initiatives,” Sullivan told reporters.

On Thursday, Biden and the other heads of state and leaders will hold talks on promoting food security, after months of supply concerns and disruptions linked to the war in Ukraine. He will also discuss the 2023 elections in Africa and democracy with a small group of leaders, Sullivan said.

“The opportunity costs of the invasion have been very high in Africa,” Stremlau said.

‘Great opportunities, some risks’

Meanwhile, local officials in Washington, DC, are warning residents to brace for roadblocks and intensified security as the dozens of invited leaders move around the city for the talks.

The US has invited all African Union members in good standing, meaning Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sudan will not be represented. Attendees must also have full relations with Washington, which excludes Eritrea.

One of the most closely watched leaders expected in Washington will be Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a one-time US ally whom the Biden administration has accused of backing widespread abuses in the Tigray conflict. A breakthrough deal last month led to a cessation of hostilities.

The foreign minister of Zimbabwe, under US sanctions, is also expected to attend.

Analysts say that African leaders will be looking for Biden to make some major commitments during the talks, including announcing his first presidential visit to sub-Saharan Africa, as well as efforts to bolster the continent’s economy through private sector investment and trade.

Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, director of the Africa programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the US was entering the summit with a “trust deficit” due to the long wait since the last edition in 2014.

“The summit presents great opportunities, but it also poses some risks,” he said.

“This is an opportunity to show Africa that the US really wants to listen to them,” he added. “But now that we have high expectations, the question will be: What will be different now?”