Why I Want the U.S. to Lead in AI—And What That Means for Africa’s Future

 

Why I Want the U.S. to Lead in AI—And What That Means for Africa’s Future

As the world watches the U.S. and China battle for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI), I find myself rooting for the United States—not out of blind patriotism, but because I believe it makes practical and moral sense. As an African American who sees both the flaws and the promise of this country, I believe the U.S. has the capacity to lead in a way that can benefit not just Americans, but global partners—especially Africa.

Let’s be clear: the U.S. has a long and painful history of racial injustice. That’s not up for debate. But it's also a country where people fight back, where progress can be made, and where accountability—while messy—is possible. That’s important.

Now, contrast that with China. While often spared the same level of global criticism, China has its own track record of racial and ethnic discrimination—against Africans, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and other minority groups. Yet this doesn’t dominate international headlines the way U.S. racism does. The silence is noticeable—and harmful.

This imbalance in narrative matters. If we only ever see America as the villain, we risk ignoring the places where opportunity and reform are actually possible. We also risk overlooking where true partnerships could flourish.

Africa is on the rise. It’s not just a resource-rich continent; it’s a talent-rich one, bursting with young innovators and entrepreneurs ready to shape the future. The question is: who will stand with Africa—not just as a benefactor or investor, but as a collaborator?

I believe the U.S. has that potential. With all its challenges, it's a place where ideas about fairness, civil rights, and progress are alive and evolving. If America leads in AI, and commits to building equitable tech partnerships with African nations, we might see a future where innovation isn’t just profitable—it’s just.

That’s the world I want to see. A world where the continent I trace my ancestry to rises on its own terms, in strong and fair alliance with the country I call home.