ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The United States has called for stronger trade, infrastructure, and technology partnerships with African countries, saying long-term economic cooperation and strategic investments are essential to unlocking the continent’s growth potential.
The message was delivered during a digital press briefing held on the sidelines of the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium (ALCS 2026) in Addis Ababa, where senior U.S. officials outlined Washington’s vision for expanding commercial engagement with Africa through high-quality infrastructure, logistics, communications, and artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the briefing, Mark Mitchell, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, said the symposium, which brought together delegates from more than 40 African countries, provides an important platform for connecting African governments with American businesses capable of supporting the continent’s development priorities.
He said security, modern infrastructure, and strong logistics networks remain fundamental to sustainable economic development and attracting long-term private investment.
“The African Logistics and Communications Symposium offered a truly continent-wide platform—a rare chance to put U.S. companies in front of nearly the whole of Africa at once,” Mitchell said.
U.S. Promotes Long-Term Investment
Mitchell emphasized that the United States seeks to build lasting commercial partnerships rather than short-term transactions.
Responding to questions from African journalists, he said the U.S. approach focuses on helping African countries develop resilient commercial ecosystems, strengthen institutions, improve regulatory environments, and create opportunities for local businesses and workers.
According to Mitchell, American companies continue to offer world-class technologies in sectors such as logistics, communications, energy, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals while promoting transparency, good governance, and sustainable investment.
He also highlighted the Strategic Infrastructure Investment Working Group, launched earlier this year in collaboration with the African Union, saying it reflects the United States’ commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that stimulate economic growth across the continent.
Ethiopia Seen as a Key Investment Destination
During his visit to Ethiopia, Mitchell held meetings with government officials, Ethiopian Airlines, and private sector leaders to explore new investment opportunities.
He praised Ethiopia’s ongoing economic reforms and recent public-private dialogue involving the American Chamber of Commerce and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, describing them as positive steps toward improving the country’s business environment.
Mitchell said the United States is particularly interested in supporting Ethiopia’s ambitious Bishoftu International Airport project, which is expected to strengthen the country’s position as Africa’s leading aviation hub.
He added that the long-standing partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines demonstrates the potential for deeper commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Artificial Intelligence Offers New Opportunities
Mitchell also highlighted artificial intelligence as a major area for future collaboration.
Following a visit to Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, he said the U.S. Department of Commerce looks forward to supporting Ethiopia’s AI ambitions through partnerships that promote innovation, technology transfer, and responsible digital development.
He noted that AI has the potential to improve logistics, supply chains, customs operations, and trade efficiency while helping African countries strengthen their competitiveness in the global economy.
Logistics and Communications Drive Prosperity
Brigadier General Paul G. Filcek, Director of Logistics at U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), said logistics and communications are critical foundations for both security and economic development.
He noted that this year’s symposium, co-hosted with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense, attracted representatives from 40 partner nations and 27 private companies, making it the largest event of its kind organized by AFRICOM.
Filcek said stronger regional cooperation, modern logistics infrastructure, and reliable communications systems are essential for addressing security challenges while attracting greater commercial investment across Africa.
“When our partners succeed, we succeed,” he said, emphasizing that investment, security, and prosperity are closely interconnected.
The symposium concluded with renewed calls for governments, investors, and the private sector to deepen cooperation in logistics, infrastructure, communications, and emerging technologies as Africa seeks to accelerate economic integration and sustainable development.
