Washington keeps asking why it is losing Africa to China. I commissioned a survey of nearly 5,000 young Africans to find out what they don’t like about America, and the answer is uncomfortable. America has not been losing because young Africans prefer Beijing. It is losing because previously it would not stop lecturing a continent that has outgrown the lesson.

Last week the Pew Research Center reported that, for the first time, China is viewed more favorably than America across much of the world. Our numbers say the same about Africa. But they also say something Pew did not capture: the race is far from over – and President Trump, of all people, is the reason why they could still win it.

Young Africans want to deal with Trump for the same reason they will deal with Xi. Results

Young Africans want to deal with Trump for the same reason they will deal with Xi. Results

The 2024 edition of the survey found young Africans expected a Biden administration to be better for their countries than a Trump administration by 42 percent to 23 percent. Yet, now they have seen a Trump presidency in action, the 2026 edition finds the opposite. Young Africans are optimistic that President Trump’s second administration will bring about a better future in many of the areas they care most about: youth empowerment and security cooperation and counterterrorism both at 60 percent, democracy support and trade........

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