China is delivering real outcomes in the continent based on mutual respect, equality, shared benefits and a win-win approach

US President Joe Biden hosted leaders from across the African continent in Washington during the US-Africa Leaders Summit from Dec 13 to 15. According to the US government, the summit served as an example of the Biden administration”s “commitment to the African continent and provides a forum for new joint initiatives between the United States and countries in Africa”. In fact, President Biden invited 50 of the 54 African leaders excluding Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Guinea. The US justified this saying that these countries were not invited due to the fact that their African Union membership had been suspended.

The summit can be seen in the background of the recent launch of the US Strategy Toward Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the US National Security Strategy. These strategies are clearly aimed at resetting US relations with its African counterparts and to advance US’ strategic objectives.

After the near “zero interest in Africa” during the Donald Trump era, the challenge to “reposition” US-Africa relations in a changing global landscape would require a more sincere and good faith engagement on the issues decisive to the continent’s future. The fact is that under both the Trump and Biden administrations, the US has at best made half-hearted attempts to develop its ties with…