US interest in Africa grows

United States Trade Representative Michael Froman told a Washington press conference the US is increasingly interested in Africa and promoting investment there.

Jennifer Cooke, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CISS) Africa Program said the country has lagged behind many in holding US-African summits. China identified Africa's potential earlier than the US and the US government is now strengthening contact between Africa and American companies. She added that it is good for everyone with China and America competing in Africa.

Secretary for Commerce Penny Pritzker said the US wants to see a continued increase in exports to Africa as the middle-class expands and that new trade representative offices in Angola, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania are being established.

"America will cooperate with Africa in the fields of food, electricity and security, extend the law of African development and opportunities and promote an African youth leader scholarship program," said Froman.