The United States is the ideal partnership for African nations without any conditions attached, according to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. She made this statement during an exclusive interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo at a business summit hosted by AmCham in Nairobi. The meeting came after she met Kenyan President William Ruto on her first official trip to Africa.
Many African nations have strong ties with China, which has funded and executed infrastructure projects across the continent. Russia is also expanding its influence through arms sales and exploitation of natural resources, taking advantage of anti-Western sentiments in some countries. Critics argue that Western powers like the US and Europe often impose lectures on democracy and human rights when dealing with African nations, which they find unappealing compared to China’s or Russia’s approach without such demands.
Raimondo clarified that America is coming “without strings attached” by bringing over a dozen businesses along for the summit in Nairobi. She stated during her meeting with President Ruto: “We’re not here to lecture, we’re here to partner, we’re here to learn from you, we’re here to invest, in your people and in your country.” The US believes it offers opportunities that align well with African values of freedom and democracy. Therefore, the partnership is based on mutual respect rather than imposing conditions or demands.
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