US-Africa summit: Biden backs AfCFTA, AU as G20 member

US President Joe Biden capped the three-day summit of 49 African leaders by stressing his administration’s deep commitment to Africa, urging the continent’s leaders to respect the will of their people, and saying he may come visit.
Africa could see more US investment as the Biden administration wants to reduce the dominance of China and the European Union in trade with the continent. Biden stressed that he finds Africa a critical ally in his administration’s quest to maintain a strong grip on the global economy.

The US also pledged $165m to help support elections and good governance as African nations prepare to hold votes next year.

The president’s comments arrived a day after Washington unveiled a string of new investments and trade deals in Africa. Beyond the pledged $55 billion in US commitments, Biden also responded to several invitations to different African countries: “Be careful what you wish for because I may show up. The poor relatives always show up. The wealthy ones never show up. The poor come and they eat your food and stay longer than they should. Well, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in your home countries.”

Biden has also announced support for the African Union joining the Group of 20 (G20), a global forum for major economies, as the US seeks to build stronger relations with African nations. Speaking at an event on Thursday (15 December), Biden said African leadership and innovation were critical to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This is the reason why his administration has expressed support for reforming the United Nations Security Council to include an African representative, as well as giving the African Union a permanent place at the G20, Biden said.

As for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the US is optimistic that if it is implemented the right way, it could help the continent solve most of its industrial challenges and attract more foreign investment. The Biden administration expressed confidence in Africa’s transformation journey in a press statement released by the White House. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and the AfCFTA Secretariat during the summit could boost trade and investment in the continent, while unlocking trillions of dollars from Africa’s hidden potential.