The U.S. "African Growth and Opportunity Act" part 3

The U.S. "African Growth and Opportunity Act" and its current role in Washington's Africa strategy — part 3

🔻What does the future hold for the program?

In the beginning of November the most recent forum was held. During it all sides that are part of the act asked for the continuation of it. Why?

As the United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022 indicated, Washington has fully entered the race for Africa. This year we've seen how the US are slowly taking over the assets of France in Africa, how America tries to hold a dialogue with many African states despite disputes, etc.

▪️But race against whom? First and foremost, with Russia and China in military and economical fields respectively. Discussing AGOA we need to focus on China and its Belt and Road Initiative.

For 10 years Chinese program expanded drastically. It involves lots of spheres and one of the important places of its implementation is Africa. Africa Intel together with @Asianomics talked (https://t.me/asianomics/321) about it (https://t.me/asianomics/322). This continent is very important in Chinese strategy to become more powerful in international relations. Africa holds natural, human, diplomatic, economical and geopolitics resources that are important for major actors these days.

▪️As of now, the USA have nothing as big and as publicized as Belt and Road initiative. That's why Washington starts to view AGOA as a potential rival to the Chinese program. That's why there are calls to expand and modernize this act. To have something to counter China's strategy.

▪️What about African countries? Well, they just want another source of income. Yes, AGOA is not super beneficial, but advantages to export goods for a better price are still advantages, and it would be sin not to use them. Despite numerous problems, AGOA does attract money and investments to Africa.

And, well, if the US and China want to use you to satisfy their needs, why not also use them to satisfy yours? If they are willing to fight for your potential with money, then use both, just be very careful.

🔻Despite looking more like a sort-of parasite, AGOA, because of the need to compete with China, is likely to become an increasingly symbiotic program.

Yes, as with the case of China, such acts are used solely for the benefit of a major country, but the need to compete creates opportunities for Africa.

For now, sub-Saharan African countries should use the situation to their advantage, propagate the modernization of AGOA to better satisfy them and use it to attract more money and investments.

However, it is important for Africa to do it carefully, since the one who plays with fire is bound to burn himself.