From News24 (South Africa) [hat tip: theGrio]: "President Barack Obama will release a comprehensive new US Africa strategy on Thursday, seeking to boost trade, strengthen peace and security and bolster democratic institutions. The blueprint will notably seek to encourage the 'stunning' potential of economic growth to lift millions out of poverty in a continent more often associated with famine, poverty and strife, a senior US official told AFP."
The article continues about the liberal Democratic president: "Obama directed staff to sketch a new strategy in a four-month process to focus on the multiple challenges of the continent, which include famine, drought and instability, but also to exploit emerging growth potential. The White House will target four main areas of focus: strengthening democratic institutions, encouraging economic growth, trade and investment and prioritising peace and security as well as promoting development."
The article suggests the the President Obama's strategy is a response to Chinese activities on the African continent: "Bilateral trade between China and Africa reached over $120bn in 2011, a jump from less than $20bn a decade earlier. The US strategy also highlights the administration's initiative to reach out to young African leaders from more than 40 countries, and to provide them with professional entrepreneurship training with top US companies."
Obama To Unveil New Africa Strategy
