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Scottish Sunday: International

Africa: Today's race is not for colonies to conquer but for natural resources and America has stepped up pursuit in response to superpower rivals

By Fred Bridgland in Johannesburg

TWO SCARCELY noticed events occurred in Nigeria and Botswana at the end of last week that signal the growing speed and strength of a new "scramble for Africa" among the world's big powers, who are tapping into the continent for its oil, iron ore, timber, gold, diamonds and other natural resources.

The Rise of AfriCom

At Nigeria's Defence Intelligence School in Karu, near the capital Abuja, 30 military officers from seven African countries graduated from a training course designed to meet the "rapidly changing security complexities" of their nations "and the continent at large". Ostensibly organised by Nigeria's Defence Intelligence Agency, the 12-week "Military Intelligence Basic Officers' Course for Africa" - the third this year after two in Mali - was in fact designed by the controversial United States African Command (AfriCom). Less than two years old, AfriCom has the same general responsibilities as all US combatant commands: to plan, direct and execute US military operations in its assigned area of responsibility. The US Seventeenth Air Force, based at Sembach in western Germany, has been allocated to AfriCom and renamed Air Forces Africa.

AfriCom - currently headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, but aiming to transfer to Ghana - is a measure of how seriously Washington is taking the new scramble for Africa and how determined it is to compete there with China, which has major strategic and economic goals throughout the continent. It also shows how seriously the US takes threats from al-Qaeda-aligned Islamic movements which have footholds in several African states; and how seriously it intends securing its burgeoning oil and gas interests in West Africa. While AfriCom's main role is military oversight, it is slightly different from other US commands because it acknowledges Africa's complexities and mysteries by including health and aid experts in its mission.

China's Expanding Influence

President Barack Obama's visit to Ghana this month signalled that America's approach to Africa was emerging from a long, deep sleep and that the US was back in the African version of the Great Game. In recent years, the strongest winds blowing over the continent have come from China. With the US and European Union preoccupied elsewhere, China has had the African playing field virtually to itself and has won new markets in country after country.

Beijing brought welcome foreign investment on a scale not seen since the end two decades ago of superpower competition between the US and the former Soviet Union. For example, in Angola, which is stunningly rich in natural resources and was fought over by Moscow and Washington's surrogate guerrilla armies in a 27-year civil war that ended only in 2002, China is partnering the country's rapid development with its multi-billion dollar investments in Angola's infrastructure. Two Chinese oil companies last week bought a $1.3 billion stake in the rich Block 32 development 90 miles off the Angolan coast - already China imports more oil from Angola than it does from Saudi Arabia. At the same time, Beijing announced it will invest $1.2bn in the development of Angolan agriculture over the next four years.

The original scramble for Africa took place in the late 19th century, when Britain, France, Germany and Portugal competed to carve Africa into colonies. Today, governments and corporations from the US, France, Britain and China are competing to profit from the rulers of often chaotic and corrupt regimes. Obama has made it clear that if the US wants to out-muscle China it will need to commit more to projects like the 421-mile-long West African Gas Pipeline, which is scheduled to begin delivering gas early next year from Nigeria's Niger River Delta to Benin, Togo and Ghana.

Hotels and the Growing Economy in Africa

As the scramble for Africa continues, foreign investments and economic growth are soaring, leading to an increased demand for accommodations. In response to this growth, the hotel industry is booming, providing opportunities for both domestic and international hotel chains.

The Rise of Luxury Hotels

The rise of luxury hotels in Africa is a testament to the continent's growing prominence. International hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson Blu are expanding their presence in major African cities, catering to the needs of business travelers and tourists. These hotels offer modern amenities, world-class service, and comfortable accommodations to attract discerning travelers.

Creating Employment Opportunities

As the hotel industry grows, it also creates employment opportunities for locals, contributing to the economic development of African countries. Hotels require staff in various functions, including management, front desk, housekeeping, and food and beverage services. This provides job opportunities for individuals with diverse skill sets, contributing to poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.

Promoting Tourism and Cultural Exchange

Hotels play a vital role in promoting tourism and facilitating cultural exchange. They attract tourists from around the world, offering them a comfortable and convenient base to explore the local attractions and experience the unique culture of African countries. Additionally, hotels often organize cultural events and activities, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the continent.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism

Many hotels in Africa are embracing sustainable and responsible tourism practices. They focus on minimizing their environmental footprint through energy-efficient technologies, waste management programs, and community engagement initiatives. By incorporating these practices, hotels contribute to the preservation of Africa's natural beauty and support local communities.

Overall, the growth of the hotel industry in Africa reflects the continent's increasing importance in the global economy. As more countries recognize Africa's potential and invest in its development, the hotel industry will continue to thrive, providing essential services to both business and leisure travelers while also driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

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