Why Buying American Matters for Africa’s Energy Development
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The U.S. is transforming its commercial relationship with Africa, focusing on connecting its vast network of export-ready companies and substantial capital markets to the continent's burgeoning energy and other sectors. With nearly 300,000 U.S. companies ready to export to the continent and access to $120 trillion in capital markets, the U.S. is uniquely positioned to support Africa's energy ambitions. By leveraging these resources, American firms can offer high-quality, reliable energy solutions tailored to the continent's needs. This approach not only benefits African nations seeking to expand their energy infrastructure, but also opens new markets for U.S. businesses.
The U.S. government's new commercial diplomacy strategy in Africa – launched last month through its Africa Bureau – emphasizes trade and investment over traditional aid, encouraging African countries to implement market reforms that facilitate business operations. This includes reducing non-tariff barriers and streamlining regulations to create a more conducive environment for foreign investment. American companies are also at the forefront of cutting-edge energy technologies, from advanced drilling and processing equipment to renewable energy solutions, positioning them as ideal partners for Africa’s evolving energy needs.
To date, the U.S. has played a key role in advancing energy projects across Africa. In Mozambique, American support has been critical to revitalizing the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project. Following security-related delays, the project is now set to resume construction, backed by $4.7 billion in financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM), which was reinstated in March 2025. This investment not only reflects the U.S.’s commitment to large-scale energy development on the continent, but also highlights how a reinvigorated EXIM can help American companies compete globally, particularly against rising influence from countries like China and Russia.
Similarly, the U.S. has committed a $550 million loan to support the Lobito Corridor railway project, a key infrastructure initiative connecting Zambia’s Copperbelt with Angola’s Atlantic coast. Designed to streamline the transport of critical minerals such as copper and cobalt – vital to clean energy technologies – the corridor strengthens regional trade and supports the global energy transition. For the U.S., the investment opens up more secure, transparent supply chains for critical raw materials, reducing reliance on adversarial markets. It also creates opportunities for American companies to supply equipment, engineering and services, supporting U.S. jobs and advancing the broader goal of fostering resilient, sustainable economic partnerships in Africa. Moreover, these investments help create quality jobs and foster skills development across African economies, strengthening local capacity and building sustainable industries.
The upcoming U.S.-Africa Energy Forum, taking place August 6-7, 2025, at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, will serve as a strategic platform to connect U.S. energy companies with African governments and investors in the wake of a revised commercial strategy under the Trump Administration. By fostering dialogue and partnerships, the forum aims to catalyze energy projects across the continent, spanning both traditional oil and gas as well as emerging renewable energy developments.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more information, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit usafricaenergy.com. Join us in Houston to connect with the leaders shaping Africa’s energy landscape and experience the momentum that drives ECP’s events worldwide.