At the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, Jason Miller, a former senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump and seasoned communications strategist, issued a powerful call for a new chapter in U.S.-Africa trade relations—one rooted in value, accountability, and private investment rather than mounting debt and broken promises.
Delivering the keynote address during a high-profile plenary session, Miller painted a compelling picture of Africa’s economic future, while warning that the continent must make bold, strategic choices to truly own its rise.
Speaking alongside Viswanathan Shankar, CEO of Gateway Partners, Miller emphasized that Africa’s development story need not mirror the extractive, debt-laden models seen in the past.
“This is Africa’s century,” Miller declared. “But if these opportunities aren’t seized strategically, Africa risks being taken advantage of again.”
Miller pointed to projections that by 2050, Africa will overtake Europe as the third-largest global economic bloc, with Nigeria among the world’s top ten economies. By 2100, four of the five most populous nations will be in sub-Saharan Africa.
But he warned that demographic growth alone isn’t enough. “The numbers are real, but if you don’t prepare and partner wisely, someone else will benefit more than you do,” he cautioned. He urged African nations to shun “debt diplomacy” and demand real, sustainable value in return for their resources and strategic partnerships.
Contrasting the U.S. with other foreign powers, Miller criticized what he called exploitative global players. “For decades, others came to Africa and took, took, took—leaving broken promises and shattered economies,” he said. “What America offers is different: private capital, fair partnerships, and mutual accountability.”
Miller emphasized that U.S. investments—especially those led by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC)—are market-based and revenue-generating, not burdensome loans that cripple economies.
“This is not debt. This is investment,” he said. “Private capital wants returns, but it also demands transparency, governance, and results. That’s the kind of accountability that lifts countries—not sinks them.”
Miller outlined three critical areas where Africa must act decisively:
Demand Value, Not Empty Deals
He urged African leaders to be wary of partnerships wrapped in vague promises. “Don’t accept aid disguised as loans that tie you down. Demand investment that builds your future,” he said. He pointed to infrastructure-for-minerals models and AI-era supply chains as areas where Africa holds critical leverage.
Reform to Attract Capital
Africa must accelerate business climate reforms to attract U.S. private investors. “Stabilize your currencies. Enforce your contracts. Eliminate corruption. That’s the price of admission for trillion-dollar pension funds like BlackRock or CalPERS,” Miller noted. He commended Nigeria’s “gutsy” currency moves but said broader reform is needed across the continent.
Choose Allies Carefully
Miller warned that partnerships must be based on respect, not exploitation. “Look at the record. While China leaves behind environmental disaster and unpayable loans, the U.S. brings HIV/AIDS relief, regional peacekeeping, and real business deals,” he said.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants preferential trade access to African countries, is set to expire in 2025. Miller said its renewal is not guaranteed.
“Why should the U.S. offer one-way trade preferences when African nations impose tariffs on American goods or cozy up to our adversaries?” he asked. “It’s time for a serious renegotiation—one based on reciprocity, not charity.”
He urged African leaders to come to the table with clear agendas and real commitments. “You don’t get deals from Washington by showing up for a photo-op. You get them by being prepared—by having specific asks, measurable goals, and a strategy,” he advised.
Miller encouraged African countries to take cues from Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose targeted investments and strategic alignment earned them early attention from the Trump administration. He also advised leaders to understand President Trump’s thinking by following him on Truth Social and tailoring engagement accordingly.
“Speak the language of investment. Engage the business community—CEOs, not just bureaucrats. That’s how Africa’s economic story gets amplified,” he said.
In closing, Miller challenged Africa’s leaders to make this moment count.
“Renegotiate AGOA. Push business reforms. Secure infrastructure-for-minerals deals. Engage the DFC. But above all, champion stability,” he said. “That’s the bedrock of investment.”
He announced his new role as Senior Advisor to Gateway Partners, pledging to use the position to channel American capital into Africa’s most promising industries.
“Don’t settle for lip service,” Miller concluded. “Demand real partnerships. That’s how Africa becomes powerful, wealthy, and great—on its own terms.”
