CAIRO — US President Joe Biden is seeking a reboot in relations with African leaders at this week's summit in Washington and ahead of a Presidential trip to the continent next year. 

Dozens of African leaders are attending the three-day-summit, Biden's first for the continent, as he tries to renew its commitment to the continent after years of disengagement. Axios reported on Tuesday that the US President is planning a visit to Africa early next year, and it will include sub-Saharan countries. 

Senior US officials have stressed that this week's summit is anchored in the recognition that the future of the international system is currently at stake, that the next few years will be decisive in defining how the world will be ordered and that Africa is a key geopolitical player of growing importance in shaping this future.

Although officials have avoided hostile rhetoric, the meeting will take place as China is already far outpacing the United States on the continent in terms of trade, investment and lending, and as Russia seeks to expand its clout, often through military, security and arms deals. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates are also an emerging force in Africa. Aware of this delicate balance, US officials have insisted that the summit is not about choosing sides.