U.S. Builds New Momentum in Africa with Launch of Commercial Diplomacy Strategy

Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire — May 14, 2025 — In an effort to deepen economic ties and unlock Africa’s vast market potential, the U.S. Department of State announced a comprehensive “Bureau of African Affairs Commercial Diplomacy Strategy” today, signaling a strategic shift toward prioritizing trade and private investment across the continent.

Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of African Affairs, delivered remarks during the launch event, emphasizing a renewed U.S. focus on fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships with African nations. Held in Abidjan and hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce in West Africa, the event drew government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders eager to seize emerging opportunities.

A Paradigm Shift in U.S.-Africa Relations

Ambassador Fitrell underscored a stark reality: Africa’s enormous potential has remained largely untapped by U.S. businesses. “Africa is the world’s largest untapped market,” he stated, “by 2050, it will have a quarter of the world’s population, with a projected purchasing power surpassing $16 trillion — rivaling the economies of Canada, China, and Mexico.”

Despite this promise, current U.S. trade figures tell a different story. “U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa account for less than one percent of our total trade in goods,” the ambassador lamented. For over two decades, this figure has remained stagnant, prompting a reassessment of past strategies.

“Too often, we’ve emphasized aid over trade,” Ambassador Fitrell explained. “Going forward, our approach is to invest in expanding trade, private investment, and eliminating barriers—because the private sector, not aid, drives real economic growth.”

Six Pillars for Increased Engagement

The new strategy, rolled out at the event, centers around six actionable pillars aimed at transforming U.S.-Africa economic relations.

1. Commercial Diplomacy as a Core Focus: All U.S. ambassadors in Africa will now be evaluated based on their effectiveness in advancing U.S. business interests. In just the first 100 days, Ambassador Fitrell shared, 33 deals valued at $6 billion have already been signed, demonstrating tangible progress.
2. Implementing Market-Reforming Policies: The strategy urges partnership with African governments to implement the top five market reforms prioritized by the private sector. Such reforms remove non-tariff barriers, attract investment, and foster stronger economic growth—goals all participants are encouraged to pursue ahead of the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
3. Prioritizing Infrastructure Projects: The U.S. aims to support commercially viable infrastructure projects that catalyze growth and attract foreign investment, explicitly avoiding vanity projects and emphasizing sustainable, high-quality investments.
4. Expanding Commercial Diplomacy Trips: Unlike traditional diplomatic visits, future trips will focus exclusively on trade and investment opportunities with countries demonstrating tangible potential. These trips will be shaped by and inclusive of the private sector to ensure real business outcomes.
5. Connecting U.S. Companies to Opportunities: With nearly 300,000 export-ready U.S. firms and $120 trillion in capital markets, this pillar aims to facilitate more direct connections between U.S. businesses and African markets.
6. Reforming U.S. Trade Support Tools: The final pillar calls for structural reforms—better financing options, streamlined application processes, and increased risk-taking by U.S. agencies to better support American exporters competing globally.

A Call for Mutual Commitment

Ambassador Fitrell made a compelling call to action, urging both U.S. companies and African partners to do their part. “U.S. companies must be willing to take risks and understand local markets,” he said. “In turn, African governments must create enabling environments—removing barriers and selecting quality American goods and services, which deliver the highest value and foster innovation and skills transfer.”

He added, “This new chapter is built on honesty, accountability, and mutual respect—and I look forward to the great achievements ahead for both sides.”

As the U.S. accelerates its efforts to prioritize trade and private sector engagement in Africa, the coming months will reveal how effectively these strategies translate into new opportunities, jobs, and growth across the continent.

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