In Africa, Obama Hot on Xi’s Trail

As US President Barack Obama embarked on his first trip to Africa as president, the specter of China loomed large. The trip, which took the president to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, was officially described as reinforcing “the importance that the United States places on our deep and growing ties with countries in sub-Saharan Africa.” However, the struggle for influence between the US and China over emerging economies was inescapable. South Africa and Tanzania were among the first nations Chinese President Xi Jinping visited in March – and Xi is also traveling to some Latin American states visited by Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in May. The International Monetary Fund forecasts strong growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, and both China and the United States seek to deepen their involvement in the regions. In Africa’s case, some countries have begun to question their reliance on China. Thus, reports Zachary Keck for the Diplomat Magazine, Obama and the investment team accompanying him have an opening on “modernizing U.S.-African relations, by moving away from a relationship based on assistance and aid to one based on trade and investment.” – YaleGlobal