South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and US President-elect Joe Biden are eager to boost relations between America and the African continent, the presidency said after a phone call between the two leaders.

Ramaphosa, who is also the current chairman of the African Union, “is hopeful of a strong partnership between the United States and the African continent in promoting peace and stability in international relations and advancing multilateralism,” his office said in a statement after the call late Tuesday.

Detroit, Michigan, U.S. – JOE BIDEN and KAMALA HARRIS

“Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have identified Africa as a major player in international affairs and in the advancement of multilateralism,” it said. Many African leaders look forward to a more pleasant relation with the newly elected US President. Trump, still president until January, did not make a good impression on Africans during his term. Less than a year after he took office, he infamously praised the healthcare system of “Nambia” — mispronouncing Namibia — during a speech at the United Nations.

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Esther Ogundipe