On Friday, United States President Barack Obama began his much anticipated two-day visit to Kenya, the land of his father, and thereon through the African continent — his fourth and final trip since he took office, with a maelstrom of anticipation riding on his back.
It is in Kenya where Obama is expected to make the biggest impact, having returned to a homecoming of sorts since his last visit 28 years ago. The emotional impact of this trip will be recorded for posterity, after that it will be a case of getting down to serious business as Obama tries to capitalise on his ‘emotional connection’ with the continent and endeavours to reap the benefits of a new, long-lasting relationship across a broad spectrum.
Obama has made more trips to Africa than any of his predecessors, but the value of these visits has not been experienced by Washington and the rest of the continent, which is full on potential but short on achievement. Obama will be trying to seal a legacy, as his presidency draws to a close, seeking a buy-in from the continent’s administrators on how to tackle terrorism, ethnic violence, corruption and trade deficits with America as an active working partner. This strategy was echoed by Susan Rice, America’s National Security Adviser, who insists that “President Obama’s record on Africa will not only match that of his predecessors, but I will predict, with confidence, will exceed it”.
Electricity, security and democracy will be the buzzwords as Obama rubs shoulders with leaders who have controversial governance records and tainted policies. In the midst of this, Africa also has enormous economic potential should governments be more accountable. Cheap labour in a population of 1.1 billion inhabitants, fast-growing economies, impressive growth rates, giving certain countries emerging-market status, are all part of the enormous potential that the US will be wanting to tap into as Obama makes important speeches at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, and at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. There are high expectations on both sides. But it counts for nothing if not matched by action.
