The United States has secured a series of major data center deals across Africa, totaling $25.67 billion in value since the beginning of President Donald Trump's second term, according to the Bureau of African Affairs. These deals are part of a public-private partnership initiative aimed at expanding U.S. commercial influence on the continent, particularly in direct competition with China [1].
Key transactions include a $6.2 billion agreement for a data center and hydropower plant in Lesotho, marking the largest deal in the country's history, and a $600 million business win for American companies in Gabon for 2025. Additionally, in the current year, the U.S. Embassy in Gabon assisted in securing a $100 million contract to supply two data centers and a gas-to-power plant, despite strong competition from China [1].
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, emphasized the U.S. commitment to helping American companies access new markets in Africa, stating, 'Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is assisting U.S. companies to find new markets and flourish in Africa.' Garcia also criticized China's approach, claiming that China 'trap[s], coerce[s] and undermine[s]' African partners, and advocated for U.S. partnerships as a path to prosperity [1].
The U.S. launched the Commercial Diplomacy Strategy in early 2025 to advance a level playing field for American companies and address disparities in trade practices. Despite these efforts, China remains a significant competitor, with its bilateral trade with Africa reaching $348 billion last year, compared to $83.4 billion for U.S.-Africa trade, according to official sources from both countries [1].
CONCLUSION
The U.S. has made significant strides in securing high-value data center deals in Africa, positioning itself as a strong competitor to China in the region. These developments are expected to enhance American commercial influence and create new opportunities for U.S. companies, while intensifying the strategic rivalry with China in Africa's growing tech sector.