Biden's Africa team will try to hold a steady course

Significance

Crisis management, trade promotion, counterterrorism and development efforts are likely to continue, together with democracy promotion initiatives in some countries. Substantial continuity in the relevant committees suggests some keen congressional interest in Africa, but this is likely to come from familiar faces.

Impacts

• The Africa team is highly competent but somewhat risk-averse and may prioritise bolstering stability over encouraging change.
• It appears unlikely that Africa will move significantly up the ladder of foreign policy issues.
• Career diplomats whose major postings occurred during the 'War on Terror' may be relatively sympathetic to AFRICOM’s priorities.