African Union: Joint Strategic Investment Task Force with the US to Support Infrastructure and Economic Growth
Addis Ababa – Sudanhorizon
The United States and the African Union Commission on Wednesday approved an agreement to establish a Joint Strategic Investment Task Force between the two sides, primarily focused on infrastructure and investment.
According to a joint statement, the task force aims to enhance and develop economic partnerships between the United States and Africa, contribute to job creation, achieve inclusive prosperity, and strengthen economic security in both North America and the African continent.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The meeting underscored the importance of U.S.–African relations through the African Union as a central platform, as well as the shared commitment of both sides to safeguarding peace and security across the African continent.
The statement noted that both parties agreed that economic growth constitutes the true foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Africa, stressing that the development of high-quality infrastructure that facilitates trade and economic movement is a critical step toward achieving this goal.
This approach aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its key priorities, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and its priority corridors, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In this context, the United States and the African Union Commission agreed to establish the strategic task force as a vital platform bringing together senior officials and technical experts from the U.S. government and the Commission.
The task force will focus on identifying and promoting U.S. private-sector investment opportunities and participation in African Union–supported infrastructure projects and related initiatives, in a manner that serves the shared strategic priorities of the United States, the African Union, its member states, and Africa’s regional economic communities.
This includes strengthening trade and logistics infrastructure, supporting continent-wide digital transformation, and enhancing related systems.
The statement highlighted the expected benefits, noting:
“These investments will leverage the African Union’s convening power and deep expertise, alongside U.S. capital and innovative financing tools, to develop mineral and commodity supply chains, transport corridors, and energy networks, harmonize regulations, expand trade, secure digital infrastructure, and enhance health security—thereby contributing to greater prosperity and security for both Americans and Africans.”
The statement concluded by emphasizing that, “As the United States and Africa seek sustainable and profitable investments to achieve economic objectives rather than relying on foreign aid, the Joint Strategic Investment Task Force will provide a solid foundation for strategic economic cooperation that will grow and shape the future of relations between the two sides for years to come.”
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