Lusaka: The top U.S. diplomat for Africa dismissed claims of unfair trade practices on Tuesday. Amid rising concerns about U.S. trade policies, the top U.S. diplomat for Africa, Ambassador Troy Fitrell, addressed allegations of unfair practices at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Fitrell stated that funding delays would not jeopardize a key railway project linking Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. African Union officials have recently criticized U.S. tariff proposals and visa restrictions, labeling them as harmful to trade relations.
Fitrell denied the existence of a visitation ban, assuring that U.S. consulates continue issuing visas regularly, despite some having shorter validity periods. Concerns have grown over a sharp drop in visa approvals, especially for travelers from West Africa since late 2023.
Some African nations, including Lesotho and Madagascar, have warned that proposed tariffs of around 10% could threaten exports like apparel and minerals. Fitrell emphasized that these tariffs are not yet implemented and that negotiations are ongoing to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
AGOA, which allows qualifying African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market, expires this September. Fitrell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Lobito Corridor railway, describing it as beneficial for investors and regional economies.
The Trump administration previously cut much foreign aid to Africa, aiming to reduce spending perceived as wasteful. Angolan President Joo Louren§o urged a shift from aid dependency toward investment and trade-driven partnerships, calling for diversification in sectors like automotive, shipbuilding, tourism, and steel.
The summit gathered over 2,000 government and business leaders focused on boosting Africa-U.S. economic ties.