Containing seven of the world’s ten fastest growing economies, the African continent is rapidly becoming an important player in the global economy and international security. While sub-Saharan Africa in particular remains largely under the radar in American foreign policy debates, China is quickly expanding its economic influence in what could be the next critical geopolitical arena. With President Obama having to devote significant attention to Iraq and Afghanistan during his first term, scholars and practitioners debate his track record in Africa. What do the current trends in Africa imply for American economic and national security? And will President Obama in his second term need to alter current American policy toward Africa?