US Invests in Africa in Effort to Counter Chinese Influence

FILE - US President Joe Biden listens as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, left, speaks during the closing session at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on promoting food security and food systems resilience in Washington, Dec. 15, 2022. US President Joe Biden speaks during the closing session of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, Dec. 15, 2022.

The United States has struck hundreds of deals worth $14.2 billion with African nations over the past year as Washington tries to counter growing influence on the continent by China.