As a developing country with stratospheric developmental ambitions, we need all partners of goodwill that we can get. Which is why we should welcome America's new-found attention to build mutually beneficial and respectful relationships with African countries - as illustrated in this week's US-Africa Leader's Summit in Washington, DC.
For far too long, Washington has viewed Africa as little more than a problem to be fixed - from public health emergencies, to conflicts, to famines. While it is true that the region has experienced several humanitarian challenges over the last 60 years, it is also true that the region is more than just its challenges.