Biden Leaves Mixed Legacy in Africa, Say Analysts and Former US Officials

It will be challenging for the new Trump administration to counter China and Russia’s influence on Africa, which has grown in the past 4 years, experts say.

President Joe Biden speaks at the leader's session during the U.S.–Africa Leaders Summit in Washington on Dec. 15, 2022. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—The influence of the United States in Africa, a continent that’s grown in geopolitical importance in recent years, declined during President Joe Biden’s term in office, say analysts and former U.S. government officials.

Under Biden, the United States lost diplomatic and military presence in key regions; did not make significant advances in countering China’s growing footprint in Africa; lost ground to Russia; and was unable to secure adequate and reliable supplies of minerals critical to U.S. national security.