Allow Africa to choose its partners, Ramaphosa tells US Congressional Black Caucus

“Africa should be allowed the space to choose its own partners and should never again find itself as a battleground for influence among the global powers.”

That is what President Cyril Ramaphosa told a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and anti-apartheid veterans during a working visit to the US on Friday.

“Instead, we seek to partner with countries from across the world in pursuit of Africa’s interests,” said Ramaphosa.

The president, who met US President Joe Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues in Washington DC, was lobbying for investment to stimulate much-needed economic growth and create jobs.

He said: “This includes partnerships on issues such as Africa’s just energy transition in accordance with global equity and national circumstances and enabled through international support.

“It includes partnerships to develop Africa’s human capital through education, and innovation. This is vital to ensuring the continent’s future stability, security and prosperity.”