Former Senegalese President Macky Sall is urging world leaders to view Africa not as a charity case, but as a strategic partner with enormous untapped potential.
In an interview with The Washington Times to promote his new book, “Africa: Leading from the Heart,” Mr. Sall outlined an ambitious vision for the continent’s role in the global economy.
Mr. Sall argues that Africa should be considered part of the solution to global problems rather than a problem itself, pointing to the continent’s vast resources and rapidly growing population.
With 1.4 billion people today and projections reaching 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa represents one of the world’s largest emerging markets.
The former president emphasized Africa’s proximity to the United States, noting that a flight from New York to Dakar takes just seven hours. He called for “fair deals” and “win-win partnerships” where Africa contributes its abundant natural resources while partners like the U.S. provide financing and technology.
Mr. Sall praised President Trump’s role in helping resolve conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and expressed optimism about potential U.S. engagement. However, he stressed that attracting American investment requires moving beyond political considerations to focus on economic opportunities.
A critical challenge, according to Mr. Sall, is Africa’s limited access to capital markets.
More than 600 million Africans lack electricity, and the continent desperately needs infrastructure development.
He noted a key difference between Chinese and American approaches: China operates primarily through state companies with patient, long-term financing, while U.S. companies rely more on private capital, making large infrastructure projects difficult.
Mr. Sall also criticized what he called “climate fundamentalism,” arguing that wealthy nations’ refusal to finance African energy projects using fossil fuels is unfair, given those same countries industrialized using such resources decades ago.
The former president called for greater African representation in international financial institutions, noting that Africa’s 54 countries hold only three chairs at the International Monetary Fund.
He successfully championed Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during his tenure as African Union president.
Ultimately, Mr. Sall said he believes proper investment and partnership could create jobs and economic opportunity, reducing the migration pressures that concern both African and Western nations.
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