Many commentators see this trip as a catch-up mission, as an attempt by the United States to respond to the Chinese economic breakthrough in Sub-Saharan Africa. 
Wachambuzi wengi wanaoiona safari hiyo kama mpango wa kushindana , kama jaribio la Marekani kupambana na mafanikio ya kiuchumi ya China katika nchi za Afrika zilizo Kusini mwa Jangwa la Sahara.