Obama builds a continental legacy supported by private power investors

US President Barack Obama’s 24-28 July trip to East Africa balanced a broad agenda of sometimes contrary pressures that mixed business, diplomacy, security, human rights and appeals for improved governance. In two major speeches, Obama spoke out against leaders who outstayed their welcome, while emphasising pragmatism, commercial relations and security. Underlining the importance of his Power Africa drive, contracts were signed across the continent in mid-July by US companies and institutions, countering the doubters back home who say presidential initiatives lack substance.