United States and African Union Commission (AUC) have launched a new strategic working group aimed at promoting economic ties and accelerating infrastructure development across the continent.
Details of the initiative were released during a meeting on Wednesday in Addis Ababa between AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
The talks reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.–Africa relationship through the African Union, with both sides aligning with President Donald Trump’s approach of prioritizing trade and investment over aid, arguing that sustainable economic growth is key to long-term peace and stability in Africa.
At the centre of the agreement is the creation of the U.S.–AUC Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group (SIWG), which will focus on advancing trade-enabling infrastructure and expanding investment partnerships.
The effort is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, including flagship initiatives such as the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The working group will bring together senior officials and technical experts from both the AUC and the US government to identify opportunities for increased U.S. private-sector involvement in AU-backed projects. Priority areas include transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, energy networks, and supply chains for critical minerals and commodities.
According to the joint statement, the initiative will combine the African Union’s convening power and regional expertise with U.S. capital and innovative financing tools. Beyond infrastructure, the cooperation is also expected to support regulatory harmonisation, expand two-way trade, strengthen digital systems and improve health security across the continent.
Officials said the move reflects a shared shift toward promoting sustainable, commercially viable investments rather than relying primarily on traditional foreign assistance. The working group is expected to serve as a long-term platform for shaping U.S.–Africa economic cooperation and investment for years to come.
