Troy Fitrell, the U.S. State Department’s top official for Africa, will retire in mid-July, a spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
Jonathan Pratt, the bureau’s number two, will step up as senior bureau official after Fitrell’s departure, the spokesperson added.
Fitrell has led the Bureau of African Affairs in an acting capacity amid the absence of a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary under the Trump administration.
The transition comes as Washington shifts its Africa policy focus from aid to expanding trade opportunities across the continent.
Fitrell, former U.S. ambassador to Guinea, emphasized last month the need for U.S. ambassadors to seek commercial ventures to boost American business ties in Africa.
Pratt brings broad regional experience, having served as U.S. ambassador to Djibouti from 2021 to 2023, with prior assignments in the Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Angola.
A source with direct knowledge told Reuters Fitrell will officially leave his post on July 15.
Fitrell confirmed his plans via email, according to another source, but did not respond to a request for comment.
The U.S. administration aims to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence in Africa, especially in strategic mineral resources and trade.
As the baton passes, the State Department prepares to deepen America’s footprint on the continent amid shifting geopolitical winds.
(Reporting by David Lewis, Jessica Donati and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Mark Porter and Chris Reese)