LUANDA – Africa’s top leaders delivered a united and uncompromising message to the United States (US) on Monday. 

They said the era of donor dependency is over and the future must be built on mutual respect, investment and co-created prosperity.

Opening the summit on Monday, African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf set the tone with a bold declaration of Africa’s intent.

“We’re not seeking aid but building co-created solutions,” he told over 2 000 delegates. 

“This should not just be a summit but a call to action. Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity with unity, purpose and Agenda 2063 as our guide,” he added.

With Africa’s population exceeding 1.3 billion, a surge in innovation and an abundance of natural resources, 

Youssouf said the continent is poised for transformative growth across all regions from agribusiness in West Africa to fintech in East Africa.

He urged US investors to seize opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, digital technology, energy and agro-industry, all backed by AU-led frameworks like the private sector forum, small and medium enterprises legislation and the digital transformation strategy.

“The groundwork is being laid for inclusive, sustainable prosperity,” said Youssouf, affirming the African Union’s commitment to private sector-led development.

Echoing and reinforcing this stance, Angolan president João Lourenço declared that it was time to end the era of aid dependency and reshape US-Africa relations around investment, innovation and mutual respect.

“It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of ambition and private investment,” he said. 

“It is time to see Africa as a credible partner rich in potential, in need of financial capital and know-how, and eager to join forces for mutual benefit,” he remarked.

In a sweeping keynote that highlighted Africa’s economic resilience and Angola’s own 3.5% growth in the first quarter of 2025, Lourenço said the continent is not just open for business but ready to lead.

“Africa is no longer just a continent of mineral wealth and demographic growth,” he stated. 

“It is increasingly a continent of transformative decisions and concrete projects,” he added.

Lourenço identified sectors with the highest potential for US investment, including renewable energy, agribusiness, digital innovation and critical minerals necessary for the global energy transition.

He urged investors to look beyond traditional extractive industries.

“We would like to see interest in transformative sectors: iron and steel, aluminium, cement, agro-industry, shipbuilding, automotive and tourism,” he said.

The leaders underlined that future partnerships must respect Africa’s sovereignty and focus on value creation within the continent, including jobs, skills development and technology transfer.

“We seek partnerships that respect our national sovereignty, prioritise local content, promote knowledge transfer and create skilled jobs,” Lourenço stated.

AU chairperson Youssouf added that Africa’s youthful and dynamic population, with more than 70% under the age of 30, is both a challenge and a historic opportunity for joint innovation.

“With a surge in start-ups and creativity, Africa is not waiting to be helped it is ready to lead,” he said.

The two leaders highlighted major infrastructure and trade projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Lobito Corridor, which will connect Angola’s Atlantic port to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean port by rail, transforming intra-African and intercontinental trade.

Lourenço encouraged the US to leverage its historical position as a non-colonial power on the continent to forge a fresh, equitable approach.

“The US… can afford a different, more unencumbered perspective of the continent,” he said. 

“Your contribution to Africa’s development will be beneficial to America and the world,” he added.

In closing, he issued a final, unambiguous call to American investors.

 “To American investors, Africa is ready. Our governments are prepared to act as facilitators, and our private sector is eager to build alliances that generate not only profit but shared prosperity,” he remarked.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for stronger partnerships between Africa and the US to move beyond dialogue and begin delivering practical results in the energy sector. 

Speaking at the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, President Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Namibia’s readiness to become a key player in the global energy transition through sustainable resource development and investment-friendly policies.

Addressing a high-level panel discussion, titled “Advancing US-Africa Energy Partnerships: From Dialogue to Delivery”, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said energy is no longer just about powering economies but also about shaping the future through clean, inclusive and strategic development.

“Energy is an enabler for economic transformation,” she said. 

“Access to reliable, affordable and clean energy not only powers industries but also presents opportunities for innovation, which is a key element in economic transformation and a true partnership,” she added.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said Africa, and particularly Namibia, is ready to move from planning to implementation.

“By moving with one heart-one mind, from dialogue to delivery and policy to implementation, we can unlock the full potential of our diverse energy sources,” she said.

The summit, hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa in partnership with the Angolan government, continues this week with forums on trade, infrastructure and investment partnerships.

It is expected to produce new business deals, commitments and policy dialogue to shape the future of US-Africa economic cooperation. 

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