The US must become Africa’s partner on technology and AI. It can do so with soft power.
The article argues that the United States should use soft power to become Africa's go-to commercial and security partner in technology and AI, citing Africa's roughly 30 percent share of critical mineral reserves. It notes that the Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) fellowship, launched in 2023, yielded policy returns but was discontinued in early 2025. The authors recommend reactivating and expanding the fellowship to cover frontier technologies and increase African participation.
Why it matters: This matters for the theme of soft power, as the article argues that US influence in Africa's technology governance depends on diplomatic engagement rather than physical assets alone.