Increasing competition: Africa is becoming an increasingly attractive market for many countries, including China, Russia, Turkey, and India, who are investing heavily in infrastructure, trade, and diplomacy in the region. This competition has created opportunities for African countries to diversify their partnerships and reduce their dependence on any one country, including the US.
US foreign policy: US foreign policy towards Africa has been inconsistent over the years, with some administrations prioritizing aid, development, and democracy, while others focus more on security, counter-terrorism, and resource exploitation. This inconsistency has created a perception of unpredictability and lack of commitment, which can erode trust and influence.
Perceptions of racism and bias: Recent events in the US, such as the Black Lives Matter protests, have highlighted systemic racism and bias in American society and institutions, which can undermine America's soft power and credibility in Africa, where many people have experienced or witnessed similar injustices
Economic challenges: The US economy has faced several challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inequality, and political polarization. These challenges can limit the US's ability to invest in Africa and compete with other countries that have more stable and robust economies.
It's worth noting that these factors are complex and interrelated, and there may be other factors that contribute to the perception of America's declining value in Africa. Ultimately, the relationship between the US and Africa is dynamic and multifaceted, and it's important to consider the perspectives and priorities of African nations when assessing this relationship.
Certainly, here's some additional information on some of the factors I mentioned:
Increasing competition: China, in particular, has become a major player in Africa, with investments in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and mining. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, China has surpassed the US as Africa's largest trading partner, and its investments in Africa have grown from $1 billion in 2000 to over $100 billion in 2020. China has also established diplomatic ties with almost every African country and launched several initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
US foreign policy: The US has had a mixed record in Africa, with some successes, such as the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and some failures, such as the Somalia intervention, the Libya intervention, and the handling of the Ebola outbreak. The Trump administration's "America First" policy and proposed cuts to foreign aid also raised concerns among African leaders and civil society groups. The Biden administration has signaled a renewed commitment to Africa, with initiatives such as the Global COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan and the Build Back Better World (B3W) Partnership, but it remains to be seen how these initiatives will be implemented and sustained.
Perceptions of racism and bias: The murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and riots in the US had a ripple effect across the world, including in Africa, where many people expressed solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and called for an end to police brutality and racism. However, some African leaders and media outlets also used the events to criticize the US and highlight their own human rights records. The US's handling of the pandemic, the Capitol riot, and the recent surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have also raised concerns about America's ability to address systemic racism and discrimination.
Economic challenges: The US economy has faced several challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to job losses, business closures, and increased debt. The pandemic has also disrupted global trade and investment, and forced many countries to focus on their domestic priorities. The US-China trade war, the rise of protectionism, and the emergence of new technologies and industries have also created uncertainties and opportunities for African countries, which are seeking to diversify their economies and reduce their reliance on commodities.
It's important to note that Africa is a diverse continent with varying levels of development, governance, and security, and that each country has its own history, culture, and priorities. Therefore, it's difficult to make generalizations about Africa's perception of the US or any other country. However, it's clear that the US faces growing competition and challenges in Africa, and that it needs to develop a more strategic and nuanced approach to engage with the continent.