NAIROBI — The United States is changing how it does business in Africa quite literally.
In a significant shift, Washington is moving away from its traditional aid-heavy approach to Sub-Saharan Africa and embracing a strategy centred on investment and commercial diplomacy. The move signals a recalibration of American priorities on the continent at a time when global powers, particularly China and Russia, are making deeper economic and political inroads.
“Our new strategy puts commercial diplomacy front and centre,” said Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa at the U.S. State Department. “It means backing American companies, opening new markets, and working with African governments to encourage business-friendly reforms.”
Speaking during a visit to Kenya, Boulos laid out a vision that swaps handouts for partnerships. The approach, he said, is not about retreating from development aid, but rather “about building long-term economic relationships that benefit both African nations and the United States.”
The shift comes amid growing pressure on Washington to reassert its influence in a region where China has funded massive infrastructure projects and Russia has sought military and political alliances. While American aid still plays a role, officials say the new focus is on mutual prosperity not dependency.
Also visiting Nairobi last week was General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), who echoed the broader rethink.
“The responsibility for security in Africa lies first with African nations,” Langley said during a press briefing. “Our role is to support, to partner, not to dominate.”
Langley confirmed that the Pentagon is conducting a comprehensive review of its military footprint in Africa. While he gave no indication of major troop movements or base closures, he suggested that the aim is to better align security cooperation with broader U.S. policy goals including economic development.
“We want to ensure our partnerships remain relevant, effective, and welcomed,” Langley said. “But ultimately, African solutions must come from African leadership.”
In recent years, AFRICOM has worked with several African governments on counterterrorism training, intelligence sharing, and logistical support particularly in the Sahel and Horn of Africa. These operations have not been without controversy. Critics argue that U.S. military engagement sometimes comes at the expense of accountability and local democratic processes.
Still, U.S. officials maintain that the shift toward commercial ties doesn’t mean disengagement.
“It’s not a withdrawal,” said a senior diplomat based in East Africa, speaking on background. “It’s an evolution. Africa is changing, and so must the way we engage with it.”
Kenya, often viewed as a stable and strategic partner, may serve as a model for this reimagined relationship. Already a hub for American businesses and regional trade, Nairobi is also a key security ally in the fight against terrorism in East Africa.
While many African leaders have welcomed the shift in tone, some remain sceptical.
“Investment is always welcome, but it must come on fair terms,” said an economic adviser to a West African government. “Too often, foreign deals don’t benefit local people. We’ll judge the U.S. on what it delivers not just what it promises.”
Whether the strategy succeeds may depend less on speeches and more on follow-through new trade deals, job creation, infrastructure, and the ability to compete with deep-pocketed rivals like China.
For now, Washington is betting that shared prosperity can be a stronger bond than aid alone.
