Will China Replace US Foreign Aid?

 AidData published in March 2025 an analysis titled "Into the Breach: Will China Step Up as the U.S. Retreats from Global Development?" by Samantha Custer, Bryan Burgess, and Narayani Sritharan.  

AidData concluded that Beijing is unlikely to fully step into the breach by mimicking America's historical role as the largest aid supplier in sectors such as health, governance, and humanitarian assistance.  China might approach the US dismantlement of USAID by doubling down on three existing lines of engagement: a public-private focus on a "Health Silk Road," aid-like training and capacity building of civilian government officials and security services, and China-led leadership of South-South cooperation related to emergencies and conflict.  

Suggestions for Canada's Engagement in Africa in Shadow of China

 Canada's Institute for Research on Public Policy published on its digital Policy Options platform on 26 September 2024 a commentary titled "As China Courts Africa, Canada Must Rethink Its Africa Strategy" by Isaac Odoom, Carleton University.  

The expansion of China's engagement in Africa poses a challenge for Canada to find a path to work with Africa in a meaningful way.  The author says Canada should offer something distinct from Western paternalism and China's transactional partnerships.  He suggests that Canada leverage its African diaspora, capitalize on strength in green energy and digital innovation, invest in training African youth, and promote good governance.  

China and Western Countries Compete for Africa's Security Partner

 The South African Institute for Security Studies published on 25 September 2023 a commentary titled "Can China Be a More Attractive Security Partner for Africa?" by Jana de Kluiver.  

China's concept of non-interference is compelling to those African countries disillusioned with Western partners paternalistic approach to security.  But China's cooperation comes with challenges concerning human rights and good governance.  

First Real Statement on Africa by Trump Administration Official

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas A. Shannon, addressed a conference concerning Africa on 13 September 2017 at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington. His remarks were titled "U.S.-African Partnerships: Advancing Common Interests."

These were the first comprehensive remarks about Africa by a senior official in the Trump administration. Shannon is a career Foreign Service Officer and the third highest ranking person in the State Department. What is striking about the remarks is that they could have been given during the Obama administration.

US Strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Obama Administration released on 14 June 2012 a major white paper titled U.S. Strategy toward Sub-Saharan Africa. Click here to access the document.

The strategy is a solidification of existing policy rather than a statement of new policy. There are no new major initiatives and the paper comes out in a budget climate where it is not reasonable to expect new U.S. government financial flows to Africa. Nevertheless, it does offer a good statement of current U.S. policy towards Sub-Saharan Africa.

The paper does propose a "Doing Business with Africa Campaign" to mobilize the U.S. private sector. If pursued seriously, this could have significant impact. But even this modest project has unfortunate timing. One of the key actors in any such program is the U.S. Department of Commerce and there is no indication that new resources are being made available to support the program within Commerce or by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. The Secretary of Commerce recently experienced a medical issue and may not be available to lend his stature to the initiative.

For a similar reaction to the white paper, click here to read a blog posting by Sarah Margon at the Center for American Progress and previously on the staff of former Senate Africa Subcommittee Chairman Russell Feingold.