U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Advocates for Stronger U.S.-Africa Energy Partnership
The potential of Africa as a key player in the global energy sector has been spotlighted by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who underscores the importance of forging a robust partnership between the United States and the continent. This collaboration is seen as a strategic move to position the U.S. as a viable alternative to China’s influence in Africa.
During his address at African Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, Cruz emphasized the need for the United States to actively participate in Africa’s energy sector through exploration, production, and infrastructure development. “Africa is a strategic partner,” he stated. “The U.S. is Africa’s partnership alternative to communist China, and we’re here today to create that robust alternative. We’re changing the paradigm. U.S. Africa policy now revolves around investment-led commercial diplomacy.”
Cruz highlighted the similarities between Texas’ energy-rich economy and Africa’s vast resources, suggesting that the continent could experience similar economic benefits. “As a Texan, I understand the immense benefit that comes with being blessed with abundant resources,” Cruz noted. “Texas is rightly known as the energy capital of the world. I believe the United States should be a strong and committed partner in Africa’s energy future.”
The senator’s comments come amid increasing efforts by the U.S. to bolster commercial ties with African countries, particularly as competition with China and Gulf nations intensifies. While China has been enhancing its energy and infrastructure investments in Africa for over two decades, the U.S. is focusing on private investment and mutually beneficial projects. Cruz emphasized transparent and market-driven investments, asserting, “Together the U.S. and Africa can secure a safer, freer and more prosperous energy future.”
DOE Supports the Initiative
Senior U.S. energy officials echoed Cruz’s sentiments, reinforcing the commitment to expand American involvement in Africa’s energy sector. The African Energy Week included a U.S.–Africa Energy Roundtable, which aimed to align U.S.–Africa policies for investment-driven growth, supported by agencies such as EXIM and the Department of Energy (DOE).
Andrew Rapp, Senior Advisor at the DOE, stated, “Energy addition is a priority for the DOE, and nowhere can it be more impactful than here in Africa. This is our goal as an agency and it has support from the highest levels of the administration.” He highlighted the DOE’s role in creating a “multiplier effect” to attract private capital.
Josh Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Europe, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East at the DOE, stressed the U.S. respect for African sovereignty in energy decisions. “International governments should not stand in the way of how African nations determine their energy futures. We are eager to hear how best we can, from a U.S. perspective, partner with Africa,” Volz stated, noting that U.S. private sector investment in Africa already amounts to $65 billion, bolstered by a $2.5 billion commitment made during the Trump administration.
Focus on Natural Gas
The U.S. is also emphasizing natural gas and LPG development in its energy partnership with Africa. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright underscored the significance of supporting African energy independence through expanded access to LPG and clean cooking solutions, aimed at improving household energy availability.
“Africa needs massively more energy. Africans will do that. Africans will deliver that. The United States is thrilled to partner with you in that endeavor,” said Wright. “We want to be your partners in technology and providing capital and partnering in any way we can to pursue that goal.”
American companies are spearheading major energy projects across Africa. Notably, in March 2025, EXIM approved a $4.7 billion loan for the Mozambique LNG development, which is expected to yield 13.1 MTPA of LNG. ExxonMobil plans a $1.5 billion investment in Nigeria’s Usan deepwater offshore oil field to enhance production from 2025 to 2027. Additionally, a final investment decision on the $30 billion Rovuma LNG project offshore Mozambique is anticipated by 2026. Kosmos Energy holds a significant stake in the $4.8 billion Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project offshore Mauritania and Senegal, projected to produce up to 5 MTPA in various phases, with ongoing deepwater exploration and production in Equatorial Guinea.
Original Story at energycapitalpower.com