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Africa matters to U.S. cities. While we should refine a national security argument about Africa’s importance, we also should spend equal time sharpening a hometown pitch. A more constructive U.S. policy toward Africa depends on it. https://www.csis.org/features/africa-matters-us-cities
. @CSISAfrica researched the links between African countries and 15 U.S. cities, showing how the continent contributes to local industries, fosters political leadership, enriches cultural life, advances academic scholarship, and promotes faith-based and philanthropic endeavors.
Africa is an important investment destination for many leading U.S. industries and Fortune 500 companies, contributing to U.S. jobs and increasing the revenue base for several cities. There is real enthusiasm to increase two-way trade and investment.
Several U.S. municipal, state, and national politicians are at the forefront of U.S.-Africa policy. State and city officials have proudly welcomed African immigrants and refugees, and opposed restrictive immigration policies.
National security interests also connect U.S. cities to Africa. Many African countries are key U.S. allies, and these alliances play out on a local level on both sides of the Atlantic. Alabama and New Mexico National Guard units have deployed to Djibouti.
Africa’s diaspora enrich many cities’ cultural lives. In Boise, nearly a thousand refugees from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East journey to Idaho to make a new life. In 2019 @dispatcheditor affirmed that “people from throughout Africa help make up Ohio’s identity.”
Diaspora members serve as prominent academics, medical professionals, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs. According to a Pew Center report in 2018, African immigrants tend to be more educated than native-born Americans.
There are several opportunities to deepen ties between African countries and U.S. cities. If these relationships continue to deliver mutual benefits and increase in visibility, they have the potential to elevate the continent’s importance to American citizens.
Our recommendations include:
1. Promote City Partnerships;
2. Engage the Diaspora;
3. Revive the African Leader Visit;
4. Practice Reciprocity; and
5. Refine the Narrative.
1. Promote City Partnerships;
2. Engage the Diaspora;
3. Revive the African Leader Visit;
4. Practice Reciprocity; and
5. Refine the Narrative.
For more information, check out our interactive map, watch our embedded videos, and visit our website for more commentaries and analysis. https://www.csis.org/programs/africa-program/africa-and-us-cities
