Diplomats Urge US to Restore Tech Fellowships to Secure African AI Partnership
Former diplomats argue that leveraging soft power and educational investment is critical to countering adversaries in Africa's digital landscape.
The United States must utilize its soft power and diplomatic convening capabilities to establish itself as the primary commercial and security partner for Africa in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology. Former US diplomats Troy and Kathryn Fitrell argue that investing in the individuals who shape regional technology governance is essential for protecting long-term US national security and economic interests.
Writing for the Atlantic Council, the Fitrells specifically advocate for the restoration and expansion of the Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) fellowship. The program, launched in 2023 by the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, was designed to provide global officials with the expertise necessary to maintain a secure cyberspace. However, the fellowship was discontinued in early 2025 during a reorganization of the bureau, with its responsibilities shifting to the newly created Bureau of Emerging Threats.
The Strategic Stakes
The push for a renewed digital partnership comes as the US faces intensifying competition from adversaries, particularly China, which utilize educational fellowships and soft power to influence regulatory frameworks across the African continent. The strategic importance of the region is underscored by its natural resources; Africa holds approximately 30 percent of the world's critical mineral reserves. These minerals are indispensable for the production of AI hardware, microprocessors, and the physical architecture of cloud computing.
Beyond minerals, the demographic shift presents a significant economic opportunity. Africa is projected to house a quarter of the global workforce by 2050. For the US, establishing leadership in digital governance is viewed as a "force multiplier" that could ensure strategic alignment as these emerging economies integrate AI and cyber capabilities into their national infrastructures.
The Path Forward
According to the Fitrells, the US cannot rely on hardware or trade alone; it must engage with the people writing the rules of the road for technology in Africa. By restoring programs like GEL-ICS, the US can foster a network of leaders aligned with secure, open, and democratic digital standards.
While the administrative shift to the Bureau of Emerging Threats has occurred, the authors contend that the loss of the fellowship represents a missed opportunity to maintain diplomatic momentum. The focus now remains on whether the State Department will pivot back toward these soft-power investments to secure its position in one of the world's most critical tech frontiers.