More Trade, Less Aid: Rethinking US-Africa Relations

Published July 11, 2025

For decades, U.S. policy toward Africa has been episodic and reactive, treating the continent as a charity case rather than a geopolitical partner. That neglect has created space for China and Russia to entrench their influence, extract critical resources, and destabilize fragile governments. Yet Africa holds vast promise: abundant green energy potential, essential minerals, and the world’s fastest-growing workforce. As Beijing and Moscow pursue their multipolar vision, the U.S. must elevate its engagement by modernizing trade frameworks, reforming multilateral institutions, and investing in African-led peace and development. By supporting Africa’s agency, America can secure its own interests, ensuring democratic values, global stability, and economic growth in a region critical to the international order. 

Check out more from Jendayi Frazer:

• Read "Helping Africa Boom", an interview with Jendayi Frazer here.
• Listen to "U.S.-China Geopolitical Competition in Africa", a podcast with Jendayi Frazer here.
• Watch "Great Power Competition in Africa" by Jendayi Frazer here.

Learn more about Jendayi Frazer here.

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The opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.

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