President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman al-Saud in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Nov. 30, 2018. Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG – The United States and China face increased competition in Africa from so-called middle powers, notably the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which is rapidly expanding its economic and military presence on the continent, analysts say.
Often cited as Washington’s main ally in the Arab world and a moderate counterbalance to the extremist Iran, Riyadh is joining the battle for Africa’s resources by opening embassies across the continent, investing billions of dollars in infrastructure, and forming strategic partnerships with African powers, say foreign policy experts.
