Trump Administration Should Focus vis-a-vis Africa Policy

Opinion by John P. Causey IV

My personal views on where the incoming Trump administration should focus vis-a-vis Africa policy and the Lobito Corridor:

1. Lobito Corridor as an Economic Development Corridor, Not Just Rail Investment

Focusing solely on railway infrastructure and bringing things in and out of Africa is thinking small. The Corridor should support mineral and agriculture processing, real estate, and more to create a diversified economic corridor. A $200 million dry port planned in Angola’s heartland has strong potential. Philip Anschutz made a boatload of money using railway rights for fiber optic cables, which became Qwest Communications. Mines can handle themselves and will invest when it is financially viable. Japan Railways is a great case study showing how rail privatization can drive economic growth.

2. Reorient USG “Support” for American Companies and Investors in Africa

The USG has failed the US taxpayer in Africa in almost every way imaginable, and the failure has been very expensive and prolonged. China provides financial support in the form of low/zero interest loans, coordination of govt and private sector efforts in Africa, and strong political support from Beijing for its enterprises in Africa. Washington DC largely turns its nose up at the private sector and plays the Africa poverty card in DC to raise budgets to bring “aid” workers to Africa to splash money to solve the problem de jour.

US Embassies in Africa are bloated, inefficient, and expensive messes often staffed with the wrong people, with the wrong skills, and on the wrong mission. They should instead prioritize supporting American businesses by reallocating funds from aid to strategic investments that reduce risks for US investors and allies. AGOA is exactly the wrong type of approach to Africa yet remains the USG’s “crowning achievement” in Africa.

3. Check China’s Influence on the Lobito Corridor with TAZARA et al

A clear message must be sent to China that crossing certain lines will have diplomatic and economic consequences. Battles have to be chosen, and the Lobito Corridor is the right one to choose.

Zambia is closely aligned with China, and while the DRC is less so, it is not far behind. To DC’s credit, efforts have been made to align Angola with the West, despite China’s $45 billion investment in Angola’s energy infrastructure aimed at securing oil and gas rights.

4. Encourage US States to Engage Meaningfully with African Nations

Africa will not be a priority in DC anytime soon given the low economic and political impact the region has on the world. Diplomatic and commercial ties should instead be encouraged between certain US States and certain African nations. While there has been some effort in this regard, it is mostly symbolic, resulting only in the occasional opening of offices usually staffed with aid workers and “diplomats” masquerading as investors and business people.

Lobito Corridor Investment Promotion Authority Afrika Vantage