Addressing a gathering of youth at the University
of Johannesburg, and which was also beamed live to several other
countries, Mr Obama stated that the US policy is to see Africans reap
big from interacting with any country in the world.
“I want to make sure that as countries come to
Africa that is benefiting Africans. So, somebody is building a road here
in Africa, make sure they are hiring some Africans,” he said in
response to a question from a Kenyan on how the US is responding to
China’s forage on the continent.
“If there is going to be manufacturing taking
place of raw materials, locate some of those plants here in Africa. I do
want to make sure that whoever you are dealing with, make sure you are
getting a good deal.”
Mr Obama who is on a three-country tour of Africa
in Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania argued that the US was not against
any country doing business in Africa but was against exploitation of
Africa by countries abroad.
China has been growing its business on the
continent and winning some of the biggest contracts in road, port and
housing constructions in countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Uganda and
Ghana. But the Far East country has been accused of giving Sh5 to Africa
and taking away Sh20.
The Chinese are also accused of using their own people in doing jobs of contracts they win in Africa.
“Our commitment to Africa is based on our belief
in Africa’s promise and Africa’s future and we want to be part of that. I
think everybody should be involved in Africa,” he told the audience.
“I want china and I want India, I want Brazil and I
want Singapore…everybody, come on! ...because six of the ten fastest
growing economies are right here in Africa.”
“We are in a global economy with a global supply
chain. I don’t want Africa to continue to be at the bottom of this
supply chain.
Mr Obama who was addressing youth in South Africa
and others in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria via teleconference also sort to
restate his reasons for skipping Kenya in his tour, but argued he would
visit before his term ends.
“What is also true, I won’t deny, is that Kenya
just had elections but in the new administration that also has to manage
some of the international issues around the ICC, I did not think it was
the optimal time for me to visit,” he said adding that he had after all
come to Kenya many times before he was president.
“But as I said, I have got three and a half years
(in office) and so if in three years and seven months am not in Kenya,
then you can fault me for not following on true my promises.”
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