By Esther Ososanya
In a rare and striking speech at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, Jason Miller, a top communication strategist and former senior adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, laid out a bold recalibration of U.S.-Africa trade relations, one grounded in what he called “partnerships over promises.”
Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, and investors in Abuja, Miller declared that “Africa’s century has arrived,” with the continent poised to surpass Europe as the third-largest global economic bloc by 2050 and home to four of the world’s most populous nations by 2100.
But, he warned, “If these opportunities aren’t seized strategically, Africa risks being taken advantage of again.”
A Sharp Departure from “Debt Diplomacy”
In a one-on-one dialogue with Gateway Partners CEO Viswanathan Shankar, Miller distinguished U.S. engagement from what he called exploitative practices by other global powers.
“For too long, Africa has endured broken promises and debt disguised as aid,” Miller said, in a veiled critique of China’s expanding influence.
He championed a market-driven model centred on private capital, accountability, and long-term infrastructure investment, not dependency.
“This isn’t about military bases or hollow rhetoric. It’s about real partnerships that deliver real value.”
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The U.S. Offer: Capital, Not Control
Miller laid out three “non-negotiables” for African nations seeking genuine trade partnerships with the United States:
Tangible Value, Not Empty Deals: He said Africa must demand real infrastructure-for-minerals agreements, roads, ports, data centres, and clean energy instead of falling into unsustainable debt cycles.
Urgent Business Reforms: He called for decisive action on contract enforcement, currency stabilisation, and anti-corruption measures to attract trillion-dollar U.S. pension funds.
Nigeria’s recent currency reforms, he said, were “gutsy” but not enough.
Wise Ally Selection: Drawing comparisons between Chinese environmental degradation and American contributions like PEPFAR and anti-terror support, Miller urged African nations to choose partners who “respect sovereignty, not exploit it”.
On AGOA and Tariffs: Reciprocity or Rethink
With the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nearing expiration in September 2025, Miller questioned the logic of one-way trade preferences.
“Why renew one-way benefits if African nations impose tariffs on U.S. goods or favour non-transparent partnerships?” he asked, proposing a shift toward “reciprocal, mutually beneficial” trade frameworks.
Miller also defended Trump-era tariffs, calling them strategic tools to protect vital industries and pressure partners into fairer trade terms.
U.S. Capital Is Ready — But Africa Must Prepare
Miller identified the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as a key lever for unlocking capital in Africa. Projects like the Lobito Corridor and Mozambique LNG were cited as examples of “revenue-generating, not debt-accumulating” investments.
To tap into trillions in private funds from firms like BlackRock and CalPERS, he said, African leaders must present clear, bankable projects. Push for reform-minded, investor-friendly environments. Engage CEOs, not just diplomats, and avoid “photo-op politics” in favour of substance
From Strategist to Stakeholder
In a surprise closing moment, Gateway CEO Shankar announced Miller’s appointment as Senior Advisor to Gateway Partners.
In his new role, Miller pledged to “bring American capital to Africa’s future industries” and insisted that Africa’s time is now, but it must be on Africa’s terms.
“Don’t settle for lip service,” he concluded. “Demand partnerships. That’s how Africa becomes powerful, wealthy, and great on its own terms.”
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.