US Senator Ted Cruz has called for a new era of partnership between the US and Africa, positioning the continent as both a strategic ally and an emerging powerhouse for global energy investment.
Speaking at Africa Energy Week (AEW) “Investing in Africa’s Energy” in Cape Town, Mr. Cruz said the United States must be a strong and committed partner in advancing Africa’s energy ambitions through exploration, production and infrastructure investment.
“Africa is a strategic partner,” he said. “The United States is Africa’s partnership to replace Communist China, and we are here today to create a strong alternative to that. We are changing the paradigm. U.S. Africa policy now revolves around investment-driven trade diplomacy.”
Cruz drew parallels between Texas’ energy-driven economy and Africa’s resource potential, explaining how energy has brought millions of jobs and billions in economic value to the United States, saying, “As a Texan, I understand the tremendous benefits that come from being blessed with abundant resources.” “Texas is truly known as the energy capital of the world, and I believe the United States should be a strong and committed partner in Africa’s energy future.”
Cruz’s comments come as the United States seeks to strengthen trade ties with African producers amid increasing competition from China and Gulf states. While Beijing has spent two decades building deep energy and infrastructure links across the continent, U.S. officials are increasingly emphasizing private investment and positioning themselves as a partner focused on mutually beneficial projects rather than aid.
Casting the United States as a “strong alternative,” Cruz stressed that engagement should focus on transparent, market-driven investments. “Together, the United States and Africa can secure a safer, freer, and more prosperous energy future.”
DOE supports strategy
The senator’s comments were echoed by senior U.S. energy officials and strengthened multi-agency efforts to boost investor confidence and expand U.S. involvement across the continent. The week also included a dedicated U.S.-Africa Energy Roundtable, with support from agencies such as EXIM and the Department of Energy (DOE), aimed at strengthening U.S.-Africa policy collaboration to increase private sector investment and promote investment-led growth.
“Adding energy is a priority for DOE, and nowhere is it more impactful than here in Africa. This is our goal as the Department of Energy, and we have support from the highest levels of the administration,” said DOE Senior Advisor Andrew Rapp. He emphasized the Department of Energy’s role in creating a “multiplier effect” to attract private capital.
Josh Volz, DOE’s assistant secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East, emphasized that the United States respects Africa’s sovereignty in energy decision-making. “International governments should not get in the way of how African countries decide their energy futures. We are eager to hear from the U.S. perspective how we can best work together with Africa,” he said. Boltz noted that the U.S. private sector is already deeply engaged, having invested $65 billion across the continent, complemented by a $2.5 billion commitment made operational under the Trump administration to support Africa’s energy expansion.
Featured gas
The United States is making a major push to strengthen its energy partnership with Africa, with a focus on natural gas and LPG development. Earlier this year, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of supporting energy independence in Africa, highlighting efforts to expand access to LPG and clean cooking solutions to improve home energy availability across the continent.
“Africa needs more energy. Africans will do it. Africans will provide it. The United States is excited to partner with you in that effort,” Wright said. “We want to partner with you on the technology side, provide capital and collaborate in any way possible to pursue that goal.”
American companies are currently leading some of the continent’s largest energy projects. In March 2025, EXIM approved a $4.7 billion loan for Mozambique’s LNG development, which is expected to produce 13.1 MTPA of LNG. ExxonMobil plans to invest $1.5 billion in Nigeria’s Usan deepwater offshore field to increase production between 2025 and 2027, while also targeting an FID by 2026 for the $30 billion Rovuma LNG project offshore Mozambique. Cosmos Energy is the majority shareholder in the $4.8 billion Greater Torthu Ahmeim LNG project offshore Mauritania. Senegal is also working on deepwater upstream exploration and production in Equatorial Guinea, with expected production of up to 5 MTPA in multiple stages.
