By Enyichukwu Enemanna
U.S. top diplomat for Africa, Amb. Troy Fitrell, on Tuesday downplayed alleged unfair trade practices by his country against Africa, reiterating the commitment of the United States to complete a key railway project connecting Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The African Union had on Monday raised concerns on how Africa could deepen trade ties with the United States under what they called “abusive” tariff proposals and tightening visa conditions, which they believe target travellers from Africa.
“There is no visitation ban,” Amb. Fitrell said at a press conference at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda.
U.S. consulates continue issuing visas regularly, Amb. Fitrell said, although some now come with shorter validity periods due to concerns arising from overstays.
Several African business and political leaders have alleged a sharp decline in visa approvals, particularly for travellers from West Africa, since late 2023.
Washington’s tariff plans have also added to cooling diplomatic ties with African countries, as some economies — including Lesotho and Madagascar warned that even a baseline 10% levy could threaten critical exports such as apparel and minerals.
Amb. Fitrell, however, says the proposed U.S. import tariffs were not yet to be implemented, and negotiations were ongoing to create a more reciprocal trading environment, including through the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA grants qualifying African nations duty-free access to the U.S. market and is due to expire in September.
Fitrell also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Lobito Corridor railway project, which links Angola’s coast to copper-rich Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It’s not at risk,” he said of the initiative, describing it as a “win-win” for U.S. investors and African economies, and underscoring its significance for regional integration.
U.S. President Donald Trump had announced the termination of several U.S. foreign aid for Africa, as part of his administration’s plan to curb spending it considers wasteful.
Angolan President João Lourenço, addressing more than 2,000 government and business leaders at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, said U.S. companies should shift from aid to investment-driven partnerships.
“It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of investment and trade,” Lourenço said, urging diversification into sectors such as automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, cement, and steel production.
