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Africa is poised to be a defining continent of the 21st century. Disengaging at this critical juncture could result in missed opportunities and diminished influence for the United States.
Dimy Doresca
| Guest columnist
Africa is home to over 1.4 billion people and constitutes approximately 18% of the global population. Projections indicate that by 2050, this figure will rise to nearly 2.5 billion, accounting for more than 25% of the world’s populace.
As a result, Africa has emerged as a pivotal continent in the 21st century. Home to 11 of the world’s 20 faster-growing economies in 2024, African nations are home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, abundant natural resources and wealth, and strategic initiatives in infrastructure and economic integration.
Africa’s population continues to grow and urbanize, with such cities as Lagos, Nairobi, Kampala, Dakar and Johannesburg expanding rapidly over the past 10 years. As an international development expert, I have seen continued investments in modern airports, expressways, office complexes, and other infrastructure, reflecting Africa’s readiness to engage in international trade and collaboration.
The United States has historically played a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s development; but that commitment and its key investments are currently under threat. It is crucial for the United States to continue to maintain and strengthen its partnerships with African nations.
A notable example of an American investment that helps the African continent is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), launched in 2003, which has been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS across the continent. Since its inception in 2003, this program has been a cornerstone of America’s global health initiatives, particularly in Africa. Over the past two decades, PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives by investing in critical HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support programs in 55 countries, primarily in Africa.
Many of these investments also directly affect Iowa, such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship. This program has empowered nearly 10,000 young African leaders by providing training in the United States across sectors such as entrepreneurship, public management, and civic leadership.
Both the University of Iowa and Drake University host Mandela Fellows every summer, increasing our state’s profile among hundreds of influential Africans now leading their countries’ development.
Upon returning home, these fellows become ambassadors for Iowa, catalysts for change, challenging the status quo, driving advancements in governance, business, civic engagement, education, and health care.
A strong relationship with African nations helps Iowa in other ways, too. According to the U.S. Trade Representative, Iowa exported over $200 million in goods and services to Sub-Saharan African countries in 2023.
The World Food Prize Foundation, headquartered in Des Moines, is also deeply committed to fostering strong partnerships with Africa. The organization’s ongoing investments in empowering young leaders to tackle global food security challenges, particularly those affecting Sub-Saharan Africa, stands as a testament to this dedication.
If the United States does reduce its aid, that risks creating opportunities for other global powers, such as China and Russia, to increase their influence through alternative approaches. Young African leaders, many of whom have benefited from U.S. programs, express a strong desire to continue collaborating with the United States in areas like entrepreneurship and innovation, trade, knowledge exchange, and political engagement.
Africa is poised to be a defining continent of the 21st century. Disengaging at this critical juncture could result in missed opportunities and diminished influence for the United States. It is imperative to continue supporting programs that empower emerging African leaders and to foster robust, mutually beneficial relationships that will shape the future of both Africa and the United States.
Dimy Doresca is Justice International Business Fellow and clinical associate professor of management and entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and a Certified Global Business Professional.
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