Jack-Rich Advocates Stronger U.S. Partnerships For Africa’s Growth

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and President of Belemaoil Group, Mr. Tein Jack-Rich, has called for deeper engagement between the United States and Africa, saying stronger partnerships with policymakers and investors in Washington are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and accelerating development across the continent.

Jack-Rich made the call after receiving an award at the Celebrate America 250 event held in Washington D.C., where he said the recognition provided an opportunity to project Nigeria’s interests and strengthen Africa’s voice in global policy and investment discussions.

He said closer collaboration with U.S. policymakers, business leaders and investors would open new opportunities in trade, investment and sustainable development for Nigeria and other African countries.

“It is a great honour to celebrate U.S. 250 and have the opportunity to be in the right network to help Nigeria, help Africa and give both a stronger voice,” he said.

According to him, building strategic relationships with key decision-makers remains critical to positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment and economic cooperation.

Jack-Rich noted that Africa must continue to advocate for partnerships that place the dignity and aspirations of its people at the centre of international policy priorities.

“I have consistently advocated building trade platforms and opportunities where the dignity of African people becomes part of the strategic policy priorities of this administration,” he said.

He added that direct engagement with influential stakeholders in Washington allows Nigeria and Africa to present their own narratives and build confidence among potential investors.

“We had congressmen, senior politicians, business leaders and the President’s son listening carefully to Africa’s perspective. That is the value of being in the right room,” he stated.

Jack-Rich described such high-level interactions as particularly important at a time when African countries are seeking greater investment, improved security cooperation and expanded access to global markets.

He said Africa’s vast natural resources and youthful population make the continent one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.

“Africa has enormous resources, and platforms like this allow us to tell the Nigerian story from an African point of view,” he said.

Jack-Rich also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting regional security and economic stability, noting that discussions with American leaders covered opportunities for deeper cooperation.

“The President’s involvement in helping Nigeria address insecurity has drawn global attention, created greater responsibility and reinforced the importance of sustained engagement,” he added.

He urged the United States to view Africa as a long-term strategic partner rather than merely a source of raw materials, arguing that stronger cooperation would benefit both sides.

“The U.S. should know that Africa is an important ally,” he said.

Commenting on the growing influence of other global powers on the continent, Jack-Rich said African countries naturally align with partners willing to invest in their development.

“They talked about countries like China and Russia. I told them the issue is that Africa naturally partners with those who make themselves available,” he said.

He maintained, however, that partnerships with the United States offer greater long-term value because of America’s strong institutions, innovation and investment culture.

“A partnership with the U.S. is more sustainable because its footprints can outlive generations,” he said.

Jack-Rich further described the Celebrate America 250 event as an important platform for strengthening people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.

He expressed optimism that expanded collaboration in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, technology and trade would unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and drive Africa’s long-term development.

“Africa has everything it needs to realise its full potential. What we require are trusted partnerships, expanded opportunities and greater access to global markets,” he said.

The event attracted prominent personalities, including Eric Trump, members of the U.S. Congress led by Rep. Jim Jordan, senior political figures, business leaders and international dignitaries.