International Policy Digest: More than Just Investment: Why America Was Once So Popular in Africa
Nick J. Danby, student, chair of the Alexander Hamilton Society, and international editor of the law review at Harvard University

“…Countering Chinese and Russian influence in Africa remains a top priority for the U.S., but the most prudent way to win over African leaders and citizens is by demonstrating that American officials truly care about Africa’s well-being. … If the Trump administration wishes to engage African leaders and dissuade them from partnerships with the Chinese and the Russians by teaming up with U.S. companies, it must develop a strategy that goes far beyond an anachronistic amalgam of trade and investment. The U.S. must first build off of the goodwill and trust it fostered with PEPFAR by not only continuing to fund PEPFAR … but also other programs that can improve Africa’s standard of living, whether that be through strategic health diplomacy or the vast array of other issues their civilians must endure on a daily basis. … The U.S. should … work toward improving Africa with the Africans. By caring about the continent’s welfare, Chinese and Russian influence will soon dwindle” (7/30).