JOHANNESBURG — The United States is gaining ground against China in a high-tech trade competition over data centers across Africa. Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, the administration’s Bureau of African Affairs has facilitated 37 commercial transactions totaling $25.67 billion, with more deals underway.

In Lesotho, with U.S. government assistance, American company Convalt Energy secured a $6.2 billion contract to build a data center and a pumped-storage hydropower facility. Garcia, speaking to Fox News Digital, said the project includes a 1,200MW hydropower plant and a 900MW AI data center, which will increase Lesotho's electricity generation capacity by approximately 1,600%, transforming the country into a net electricity exporter.

While American goods traded with Africa were valued at $83.4 billion last year according to the U.S. Trade Representative, China reported bilateral trade with Africa at $348 billion for the same period. Despite this, U.S. companies are competing successfully by innovating faster, integrating hardware and software, and focusing on customer needs.

The Trump administration emphasizes trade and private-sector investment over grant funding, aligning with approaches favored in Africa. Officials highlight that unlike China, which is accused of coercive practices, partnering with the United States offers a path to prosperity.

Paul Tilsley, a veteran correspondent with over three decades of experience reporting globally, contributed to this report.

Sources