US-Africa summit reshapes relationship: S.Africa’s Zuma

This week’s US-Africa leaders’ summit in Washington has reshaped their relationship and holds great promise for the future, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

“There had been a good relationship already between Africa and the US but this summit has reshaped it and has taken it to another level,” Zuma said in a statement on his return from Washington.

President Barack Obama’s historic summit with African leaders and officials representing 50 nations aimed to deepening economic relations and trade between the two sides, after China and Europe had pushed ahead in the race to benefit from Africa’s growing potential.

“We believe a new phase has begun, and that even future administrations, long after President Obama has completed his last term, will find it difficult to ignore Africa following this initiative,” Zuma said.

He said he was “optimistic that the African Growth and Opportunity Act will be renewed and with South Africa’s inclusion as a beneficiary.”

The act, due to expire next year, provides preferential market access for some products from African countries deemed to be democratic and following good economic governance.

South Africa has been concerned that it would be “graduated” from the act because of its relatively developed status.

“We successfully conveyed the message that South Africa’s graduation from AGOA would damage the African Union’s regional integration initiatives, as well as industries in neighbouring countries that benefit from South Africa’s manufacturing capability,” Zuma said.