America must seek an equal partnership

The first US-Africa leaders summit, dubbed ‘investing in the next generation,’ takes place in Washington next week, and many African heads will be in attendance to discuss the Obama ‘administration’s focus on trade and investment’ and its commitment to ‘Africa’s security, its democratic development and its people.’

Africa has become a key player in the international trade and investment in recent years, gaining mutual respect and partnership from world economic powerhouses. The most recent summits include those with Japan, EU and China; and the US does not wish to miss out on the opportunities offered by Africa, whose GDP has been the fastest growing in the world in the past decade.