Africa and the United States may be on the verge of a new partnership, not one of dependency and aid but one of shared ideas, vision, and investments that increase our mutual prosperity. To begin this improved relationship, both must accept urgent and substantial changes in the nature of our bond.
Africa needs to acknowledge a key tenet of President Obama’s July address to Ghana’s Parliament: that a vibrant private sector is critical for capable, reliable, and transparent societies. Without a dynamic private sector, no society can prosper. The African continent has been slow to foster conditions that build active private enterprise.
Africa must adopt policies that strengthen governance and promote economic growth to create conditions for a strong and innovative private sector. These are the most durable strategies for advancing socioeconomic transformation.
Like all nations, my country is not perfect. But Rwanda continues to build strong foundations for stability and improve standards of living for all of our people. This has led to greater social integration and sex equity. Rwanda has leveraged the contribution of women for its productivity and prosperity; ours is the only country in the world with women as a majority in Parliament.
The recommendations in Obama’s July 11 address are as pertinent for the United States as they were for Africa. Africa’s prosperity, he said, “can expand America’s prosperity. (Its) health and security can contribute to the world’s.” The link between the U.S. economy and African markets is critical, especially given global economic conditions and the potential Africa represents as a profitable new market.
It is no longer enough for the United States to work for Africa based on pity; the United States must work with Africa to build both our economies and improve the lives of all of our people. The United States has long supported assistance to Africa. The United States must recognize that Africa is now in a position to be of assistance to the United States. It is time to acknowledge our mutual reliance with clear actions.
Meanwhile, the United States should increase financing to U.S. companies wishing to do business in Africa. The United States should also support regional initiatives in Africa. Africa’s economic development does not stop at national boundaries. Our markets need to be connected by better roads, by canals and ports, and through new technologies. Yet few U.S. companies are competing for large-scale and regional projects.
If the U.S. private sector played a greater role in Africa, mutual development would follow. To achieve this, the Obama administration must facilitate U.S. investment in Africa, and African leaders must attract greater U.S. investment by consolidating our institutions for effective governance.
Kagame is president of the Republic of Rwanda. A version of this commentary was originally published by the Washington Post.