What conclusions to be drawn from this summer’s US Africa Business Forum?

On August 5^th, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke at what the Washington Post called a “landmark meeting of African leaders” to initiate a renewal in the US/Africa relations. He announced that U.S. businesses intend to invest more than $14 billion in various African sectors. This speech closured a one-day unique rendezvous held in Washington DC of 40 African leaders and officials gathered to discuss upon business opportunities.

This statement reveals a crucial shift on US perception above the African continent. Formerly seen as a cluster of economic, political and thus humanitarian crisis, Africa is now considered as a strategic partner that superpowers shall inescapably deal with.

In another Washington Post article, columnist Michael Gerson comments upon the paradox issued by “Africa’s brand”. World’s perception about Africa could not be worse, he says, while the continent is facing violent outbursts of terrorism and large-scale pandemics. However, if “Africa needing” is still true, the counter-balancing signature “Africa rising” is too. “The trajectory of much of Africa is toward rapid growth, greater trade and foreign investment.” he concludes “And this requires a shift from a donor mentality to a model of business networking – which is a stated intention of the U.S. – Africa Leaders’ Summit.”

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