The United States and the African Union have jointly announced the launch of a Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, marking a significant step in strengthening U.S.–Africa economic relations. The initiative was agreed during a meeting in Addis Ababa between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, where both sides reaffirmed the central role of the African Union in advancing shared priorities across the continent.
The joint statement emphasizes that economic growth is fundamental to long-term peace and prosperity in Africa. Both parties highlighted the importance of developing high-quality, trade-enabling infrastructure aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and flagship initiatives, including continental trade integration efforts and priority infrastructure corridors designed to improve connectivity across Africa.
The newly established Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group is intended to serve as a structured platform for cooperation between senior officials and technical experts from the U.S. government and the African Union Commission. Through this mechanism, the two sides will identify and advance opportunities for U.S. private sector participation in African Union-backed infrastructure projects that support shared strategic and economic objectives.
The working group will focus on promoting investment in areas critical to trade, logistics, and economic integration, including transportation networks, energy systems, digital infrastructure, and regulatory harmonization. It will also support the development of supply chains for critical minerals and commodities, expand secure digital connectivity, strengthen health security, and increase two-way trade between the United States and Africa.
The statement underscores that these efforts aim to leverage the African Union’s convening power and regional expertise alongside U.S. capital and innovative financing tools. By aligning public and private sector engagement, the initiative seeks to create jobs, enhance economic security, and deliver tangible benefits for both African countries and the United States.
As both partners look to prioritize sustainable and profitable investment over traditional foreign assistance, the Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group is presented as a foundation for long-term economic cooperation. The initiative is expected to shape the future of U.S.–Africa relations by fostering durable partnerships that support shared growth, resilience, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
