– No Matter Who Wins the Election
Millions of Americans cast their votes today as the nation stands on the brink of a historic decision between Vice President, Kamala Harris, and former President, Donald Trump.
This election could see Harris as the first woman to assume the presidency, or Trump as the first to win two nonconsecutive terms.
Voter turnout has surged, with almost 80 million ballots submitted early or by mail. Both candidates pushed their campaigns to the limit and the latest updates reveal a close contest marked by a stark gender divide.
Beyond the presidency, this election also holds implications for the balance of power in Congress, control over several critical states, and the fate of significant ballot initiatives across the country.
Yet, the outcome of this election reaches beyond America’s borders, carrying significant implications for Africa and, notably, Ghana. As one of the world’s largest economies and a critical player in global policy, the direction the U.S. takes under its next president could influence trade, investment, and diplomatic relations across the African continent.
In Ghana, business and government leaders are watching closely, particularly as U.S. foreign policy could shape new opportunities—or challenges—in areas like trade agreements, economic aid, and infrastructure investment.
Simon Madjie, Executive Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, emphasizes that for Africa and in particular Ghana, the primary focus should be on how prepared our diplomats are to engage the next US administration, regardless of the election’s outcome.
“It doesn’t matter who wins the election, well, I mean, it wouldn’t be, there wouldn’t be a significant difference.” Madjie says, “But it will signal who is more open to working with the continent, and that’s what we need to focus on.”
Madjie argues that African nations must have a unified strategy that places Africa’s economic needs and potential squarely on the agenda for the incoming US president.
Speaking on JoyNews’ in a segment closely followed by The High Street Journal, he noted that President Biden has focused on renewing ties, reinstating the US-Africa Leaders Summit, and inviting the Kenyan president to the White House—the first African state visit since 2008.
Biden also champions the reauthorization of AGOA, which has expanded US-Africa trade, and introduced the Foreign Extortion Law to protect US investors from corruption abroad, a move and also investment in the Lobito Corridor project, linking Angola, the DRC, and Zambia to foster regional trade. These efforts show Biden’s commitment to Africa’s growth.
Turning to former President Trump, Madjie noted Trump’s creation of the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to encourage US investment in Africa. Trump’s administration also built ties through high-profile visits from the First Lady and cabinet members adding that each president brought unique value to US-Africa relations.
Underlining the continuity needed in U.S.-Africa relations, Madjie pointed out that the real priority for African diplomats in Washington is to be ready with a well-defined plan, no matter who becomes president.
He emphasized that African representatives should focus on making a strong case for investment and partnership, ensuring Africa’s economic needs and growth potential stay firmly on the U.S. agenda.
With a rapidly growing population and abundant resources, Africa holds increasing global importance. Madjie believes this strategic approach will position Africa as an essential partner, encouraging a relationship that transcends individual presidencies.
