World’s next superpower could be Africa’s largest economy if it gets one thing right, Trump’s ambassador says

U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III says South Africa has the foundation to become a major global economic power. However, reaching that potential depends on its government implementing the right policies.

• U.S. Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III stated South Africa has the foundation to become a major global economic power if the right policies are adopted.
• He highlighted South Africa’s abundant resources and tourism, and compared its democratic progress to the American experience after the Civil War.
• Bozell emphasized that closer U.S.–South Africa relations and investments would be mutually beneficial, urging South African leaders to embrace their potential.
• He warned that poor governance could lead South Africa toward economic collapse like Haiti, while good policies could make it as successful as the U.S.

South Africa could build an economy like the U.S.

Ambassador Bozell emphasized that South Africa holds immense economic promise due to its abundant natural resources and strong tourism industry.

He praised the nation for establishing its modern democracy after apartheid without a full-scale war, placing it in a solid position for long-term prosperity.

Comparing the country’s journey to American history, he noted that the United States survived a brutal civil war before emerging as the world’s largest economy.

Ambassador Bozell stated, “We started with nothing, and look what we did. You started with something, so you could be every bit as successful as the United States has been”.

He further urged leaders to “just take that one to the bank. You could be every bit as successful as the United States”.

He explained that closer bilateral ties would benefit both nations, noting, “If the United States has a healthier relationship with South Africa, their success becomes our success. That is what partnerships are all about”.

Once bilateral issues are resolved, Bozell said Washington would encourage American businesses to invest, adding, “It will be good for the United States, and it will be great for South Africa”.

South Africa must avoid the economic collapse seen in Haiti

Despite his optimistic outlook, Ambassador Bozell issued a clear warning regarding governance decisions.

South Africa’s economy currently sits between the thriving United States and Haiti, which analysts describe as a failed state plagued by economic collapse, gang violence, extreme poverty, and non-functional institutions.

Bozell stressed that specific policy choices will determine which direction South Africa takes.

Ambassador Bozell stated, “South Africa can and will go the way of Haiti with the wrong policies. However, it can go the way of the United States with the right policies. As simple as that”.

Regarding international trade, he clarified that Washington is not asking South Africa to sever ties with trade partners like China.

Instead, he advocated for a balanced stance, stating, “We are not telling South Africa they cannot do business with China. What we are putting on the table is that true non-alignment is the answer”.

As reported by News Day, he urged South African leaders to return to fair trading with both sides and noted that the U.S. is ready to offer technology and funding to help address challenges like rural crime.