US deepens economic, security ties with Africa
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening long-term economic, security and technology partnerships with African countries to drive sustainable growth across the continent.
It said the renewed focus aimed at improving regional security, enhancing logistics and communication systems, attracting sustainable investment and creating conditions for long-term economic development.
The commitment was announced during a virtual media briefing held on the sidelines of the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium (ALCS26), co-hosted by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Defence in Addis Ababa on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists, the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, Mr Mark Mitchell, emphasised that security remained the foundation of economic development.
He said the United States was committed to supporting African countries through innovation, infrastructure development and private sector investment.
Mr Mitchell noted that the symposium, which attracted delegates from more than 40 countries, provided a platform for American companies to engage with governments and businesses across Africa, while promoting partnerships in logistics and communications.
He added that the US Department of Commerce would continue to support the Strategic Infrastructure Investment Working Group, launched earlier this year in collaboration with the African Union, to promote commercially viable infrastructure projects.
“The United States approach is rooted in long-term enterprise-driven partnerships, not one-off transactions,” he mentioned.
Mr Mitchell further noted that Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms had created new opportunities for American investors, describing the proposed Bishoftu International Airport project as a transformative initiative expected to expand the country’s aviation sector and create opportunities for US companies.
He also highlighted artificial intelligence as a key area for collaboration, noting that it could improve logistics, customs administration and supply chain management, while enabling countries to retain control over their data and digital infrastructure.
The Director of Logistics at AFRICOM, Brigadier General Paul G. Philchek, said logistics and communications had become inseparable in modern military operations, which informed the decision to merge the two conferences into a single continental event.
He said the symposium attracted a record 40-partner nations and 27-private sector participants, making it the largest AFRICOM co-hosted functional event.
Brigadier General Philchek observed that Africa continued to face growing security threats, including terrorism, human trafficking and illicit drug trade, making strong logistics systems and reliable communications essential.
He added that investments in logistics, communications, local supply chains and secure trade corridors would enhance military readiness while supporting commercial growth.
The five-day symposium, which began on Monday, is expected to end tomorrow. It brought together delegates from over 40 African countries and private sector representatives to discuss logistics, communications, security cooperation and commercial investment under the theme: ‘Forging Partnerships, Driving Innovation, and Enhancing Collective Readiness.’
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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