Africa, going back to late 1800s, was already ahead in trade with US than most other countries that now are the main-trade partners with US. Based on 'Africa Squadron,' a book account, Africa is no stranger to US. However, given present day policies and skewed programs that often make Africa look like a side child of everyone else, Africa still lags. Let it be known that it was an African country, Morocco that first recognized US as a nation before any other European country. In return, US built her first ever Embassy in Tangier, Morrocco.

Now, the 'East,' or China, appears as rescuer. But that is a game show with players and referees, all rooting for one side - China. China is never an alternative to US, no matter the songs and dance.

When will Africa stand up firmly, deal and embrace trade policies that suit her best and deliver the biggest bang? Running after foreign interests as if they are new inventions never leaves the runner with enough breath to pause and rethink. The runner is always left in the rear and rarely sees what the person being chased sees. Africa should not be behind anyone. It must be beside them in a symbiotic win-win relationship. Anyone depending on another's fraction, will never understand what the 'whole' means.
 
Using ethno-political simulation, calling on one's ancestral linkage for assistance brings us to US, where African-Americans are Africa's ancestral connection. Given that US is the world's biggest economy and has African-American presence, how come when it comes to leading charge for Africa, like Chinua Achebe's book reads, Things Fall Apart? 
 
Until African-Americans become seriously committed to championing Africa issues, especially the sub-Saharan sector, Africa may never realize its full benefits given the degree of congruity of Africans and African-Americans. Granted, many are in well placed government positions but except they are well endowed in the politics of business, they have no say in who gets what. When one is not entrenched on hardcore benefits of politics of business but often and marginally on the business of politics, Africa stands to gain nothing from the presence of African-Americans in US.
 
The presence of African-Americans in the US business sector, is marginal given the limited capacity of companies owned that can afford to risk international business exposure. Most African-American owned businesses in US are supported and rely on government contracts and projects. If the contract is not renewed, the once rich companies are devastated. That there is hardly African-American owned businesses listed on the stock exchange, may support this claim.

For the Asian and Hispanic class, it is a different matter. They have learnt and are mastering how to use their presence in the US to effect deals and dealings in their ancestral linkage - expanding the franchise. The Hispanic world using Mexico as an example, has a daily trade volume of nearly $500m with US and US do about $5b daily with Europe. One can attest this is because of ancestral connection and linkage. Proximity is love and when that is not the case, ancestry is a factor.

US trade with Africa outside oil/gas or minerals, is however in low billions. In non-oil sectors, the play is more about lip service and Africans themselves instead of competing and nurturing big corporations, prefer branches of foreign corporations' playing second fiddle.
 
None of the world's 1000 mega-businesses is headquartered in Africa, and yet Africa is reported to export a third of the raw materials needed to keep most industries running. Given Africa’s leadership of politics all the time at the expense business, Africa is a playground by and of politicians whose 'Love of Power' hardly leads to the 'Power of Love' to improve the lots of their immediate constituents. They become tools used by foreign interests. Many African politicians will sign agreements for a mere million dollars as foreign interests take away billions.
 
Africa does not need a plethora of black ministers, pastors and preachers who make annual trips to Africa with alms. Africa needs real business and persons who can become its unyielding advocates. With 54 countries in Africa, it is hard for anyone to claim expertise in her but again, we live in US, where the use of superlative terms is the order.
 
Until black owned businesses establish presence and hire persons in Africa, anything else is make-believe. Also, Africa should consider doing business in US, like Venezuela with Citgo. For US, it is all about 'Show Me the Money' and be ready to compete. If one is not ready to compete with US, they are left on the side and told to wait for welfare. We know what happens when 'welfare' is awaited - enough manna never falls from heaven. Get the picture?
 
By Ejike Okpa II
Dallas, Texas.

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