Judd Devermont, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said release of an Africa strategy was welcome after two years of "conflicting narratives" by the administration.
Devermont said he was disappointed that China dominated Bolton's presentation, which lacked details on U.S. plans.
"China loomed over everything, and loomed over really important issues on trade and investment, and transparency," said Devermont. "We didn't get many details on what the 'Prosper Africa' approach looks like and how it would be resourced. Those should have been the headlines of the strategy."
"We need a greater articulation on what are the sectors that the U.S. government wants to prioritize in Africa for U.S. investment," Devermont said, "They should be transparent with the Africans to explain why certain countries are getting the bulk of the investment."
China's policies in Africa have concerned Washington as the United States seeks to ramp up development finance in the face of China's global ambitions.
In July, the head of the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC) said China was saddling poor nations with unsustainable debt through large infrastructure projects that are not economically viable.
Bolton said the American approach contrasted with China's "bait and switch" policies. "The way we do business is much more straightforward."
In October Trump signed legislation overhauling the way the federal government lends money for foreign development, creating a $60 billion agency intended largely to respond to China’s growing influence. The new U.S. International Development Finance Corp combines OPIC and other government development organizations.
Xi's "Belt and Road" initiative, unveiled in 2013, aims to build an infrastructure network connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Bolton said the lack of economic progress in Africa has created a climate conducive to violent conflict and the proliferation of terrorism.
He said the United States has little to show for the billions of dollars it has poured into Africa. He said the administration will work to ensure U.S. aid is used more efficiently and effectively, with investments in health, education, government and fiscal transparency measures and rule of law.
"We will make certain that ALL aid to the region - whether for security, humanitarian, or development needs - advances U.S. interests," he said, adding that Washington will also re-evaluate its support for U.N. peacekeeping missions.
