US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has asserted that the United States is a superior partner for African nations compared to China and Russia. Speaking to CNN’s Larry Madowo in Nairobi, Kenya, on her first official trip to Africa, where she was attending the AmChan Business Summit, Raimondo emphasized that the US offers partnerships with no strings attached, aligning with African values of freedom and democracy.
Raimondo expressed the USA’s desire to be the preferred partner for African countries, but clarified that the US wouldn’t impose itself on them. She highlighted the opportunities available through partnerships with the US, emphasizing their alignment with African values.
Her remarks come amid growing competition for influence in Africa between global powers like the US, China, and Russia. While China has significantly expanded its presence in Africa through infrastructure investments and economic partnerships, the US aims to differentiate itself by offering partnerships based on mutual respect and shared values.
Raimondo’s visit to Kenya underscores the US administration’s commitment to engaging with African nations on economic and strategic cooperation. As the US seeks to strengthen its ties with Africa, Raimondo’s statements signal a diplomatic effort to promote US partnerships as preferable alternatives to those offered by China and Russia.
