----------------FYI---------------
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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President Obama in August will welcome leaders from across the African continent to the Nation's Capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind. This Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, will build on the President's trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and it will strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit will advance the Administration's focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlight America's commitment to Africa's security, its democratic development, and its people. At the same time, it will highlight the depth and breadth of the United States' commitment to the African continent, advance our shared priorities and enable discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership. At its core, this Summit is about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa.
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
GUEST COLUMN:
Africa: What Africa Needs to Boost Trade With the U.S.
Ahead of the United States-Africa summit which President Barack Obama is convening next week, southern African trade expert Joshua Setipa outlines what he would say if he was to present Africa's case in Washington.
If I was to go to Washington next week, I would tell the administration that our relationship with the United States is one which we as Africa cherish very much, but that it is one that could use some refinement; that we need to revisit a few issues to make sure that U.S. priorities and U.S. aspirations in this relationship are consistent with Africa's political priorities.
Africa's relations with the United States are of course about more than trade and investment. There are a whole raft of issues of mutual interest - security being just one. But if we are to focus only on trade and investment, I would begin by providing an overview of where we are now.
If you look at the structure of today's trade relations between the U.S. and Africa, it's primarily dominated by the export of fuel and fuel-related products and - with the exception of South Africa - the volume of manufacturing exports from sub-Saharan Africa to the United States is very limited. So my priority would be to ask the U.S.: how do we address this together? How do we look at ways of remedying this and diversifying Africa's export basket, because relatively few African countries either export or have the prospect in the future of exporting petroleum products.
Then I would also say to the U.S. that we cannot talk about strengthening our trade relationship without addressing Africa's infrastructure deficit. This infrastructure deficit - transport and logistics-related infrastructure being the obvious example - affects not just U.S.-Africa trade potential but it also continues to undermine intra-African trade potential. It undermines the attainment of one of the key political priorities of Africa, regional integration, which will benefit from improved infrastructure links between countries.
Furthermore, I would reaffirm Africa's continued support for The U.S.'s African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the law which extends trade preferences to qualifying African nations, and highlight that it has been a very positive contribution to economic growth - though some countries have benefitted more than others.
Among the key questions for the future that I would propose for joint consideration would be: why has there been limited success in accessing the financing mechanisms that are part of the AGOA framework? How can the U.S. and Africa work jointly to enhance incentives that will enhance U.S. private investments in public infrastructure in Africa? How can the U.S. enhance its support for the efforts already being undertaken by the African Development Bank aimed at mobilizing financial resources for infrastructure finance?
And we should not lose sight of the fact that by infrastructure we are not talking only about the bricks and mortar part, nor the highways and bridges – we are also referring to the "soft" trade facilitation framework issues including customs modernization and so forth. In fact, the U.S. and Africa have an excellent opportunity to enhance their cooperation in the trade facilitation area through the new World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation concluded at the Bali WTO ministerial conference in December 2013.
Unless infrastructure continues to remain a priority in this relationship, and new and innovative financing ideas come into play, we cannot talk about enhancing or broadening the U.S.-Africa trade relationship. Africa's political and economic priority is regional integration, trade is a key element of this priority and it therefore goes without saying that Africa's relationships with strategic partners like the U.S. will be judged on how they have supported the achievement of this priority.
After infrastructure, my next priority would be agriculture. For example, you have 34 countries in Africa that are competitive in the production of cotton, yet this potential continues to be undermined by U.S. subsidies for their cotton producers. We need to address this in a more meaningful manner than has been done to date. The WTO Doha Round of trade talks still presents the best opportunity to address this issue and therefore the U.S. should reassure Africa of its commitment towards concluding the Doha Round.
There is a positive story emerging from the Western Cape in South Africa: the success of the citrus industry in growing its exports to the U.S. This is a demonstration of what can be achieved through dedicated cooperation to improve the capacity of African farmers to export to the U.S.
This support has focused primarily in improving the capacity of South African farmers to comply with, among others, American health and safety standards - the "sanitary and phytosanitary" requirements which need to be met to sell products to U.S. consumers. This experience can serve as a model for the rest of Africa so that more African farmers access the U.S. agriculture market. At present the reality is that the average sub-Saharan African farmer does not have the capacity to comply with these kinds of requirements.
Agriculture and food security has been identified a key priority by the U.S. in its policy towards Africa and this summit provides an opportunity to review progress and to identify new ideas to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in this sector.
Unless agriculture is addressed in a more meaningful manner, its potential to drive African economic empowerment will continue to be undermined. And the reality is that addressing challenges to the potential of the African agricultural sector is not limited only to market access. There is a whole range of issues which require attention just as urgently, including access to finance and improving market information flows and trade finance.
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Focus on Land in Africa (Seattle)
30 July 2014
Africa: Secure Land Rights: Food Security Depends On It
document
What do land tenure security and food security have to do with one another? A lot. However, only recently has this relationship begun to receive the attention it deserves.
As Africa celebrates the "Year of Agriculture and Food Security," the celebration is also a call to action, as agricultural development is urgently needed. One-in-four people in sub-Saharan Africa remain undernourished, despite the region's abundant resource wealth.
In this brief, learn about new studies that shed light on the relationship between food security and secure land rights, including studies conducted in:
- Ethiopia: where female-headed households strongly benefitted from land registration;
- In Malawi, where smallholders who were able to acquire more land dramatically increased crop productivity;
- In Zambia, where children whose families lost land received 11% fewer calories per day
- Across Africa, some 65% of the labor force relies on agriculture for their livelihood, making land rights and food security inseparable.
Collective African Effort Needed to Address Climate Change
Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete recently reiterated on the need for African countries to work together and speak with a common voice on how to adapt and mitigate effects of climate change. (file photo)Tanzania: Collective African Effort Needed in Addressing Climate Change
Growth, Global Warming Threaten African Species
Researchers meeting in Cameroon say Africa may lose up to 30 percent of its animal and plant species by the end of the century due to global warming, population growth and unregulated development. Africa: Growth, Global Warming Threaten African Species
USAID Withdraws Support From Hydro Power Project
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has found that the City of Cape Town's roll out of chemical toilets unfairly discriminates against "black African" people. more»
UN Applauds Kenya's Role in Joint Anti-Ivory Smuggling Operation
Kenya's law enforcement against wildlife crime won recognition at a United Nations meeting, much to the delighted surprise of conservationists. (file photo)Kenya: UN Applauds Kenya's Role in Joint Anti-Ivory Smuggling Operation
President Kenyatta Affirms Kenya's Stand Against Poaching
President Kenyatta. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta today affirmed Kenya's stand against poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife products as part of environmental conservation efforts.Kenya: President Affirms Kenya's Stand Against Poaching
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Africa: USAID Invests $38 Million in New YALI Centers to Support Young, Emerging Leaders in Africa
United States Agency for International Development (Washington, DC)
28 July 2014
USAID partner contributions include:
The MasterCard Foundation: $10 million in financial resources over five years to develop the centers. This commitment from The MasterCard Foundation continues their investments in the education, entrepreneurship and leadership development of young people who come from economically disadvantaged communities in Africa.
The Dow Chemical Company: $3 million in financial resources toward training facilities and equipment at the centers and $1 million in in-kind resources to develop leadership training, sector expertise, and mentoring programs for the centers. Dow's commitment continues their efforts to promote youth development in Africa, and supplements existing programs that provide housing and clean water facilities to those in need as well as shelters for children affected by HIV/AIDS.
Atlas Mara: $25 million in loans for young entrepreneurs, financial training, and leadership development.
Microsoft: $12.5 million in propriety business software and hardware.
McKinsey Corporation: $1.5 million in dedicated consultants to assist with program design, as well as management support and access to McKinsey's Africa Knowledge and Research center.
IBM: $500,000 in committed staff time to serve as volunteers at the centers.
General Electric: program design, training and mentoring.
Procter & Gamble: leadership training.
The Mara Foundation: networking mentorship program.
Intel Corporation: Up to $5 million in training entrepreneurship basics and technology trends, as well as volunteer support and coaching.
YALI Fellows and others are in Washington as part of the lead-up to the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, a three-day event hosted by President Obama to welcome leaders from across the African continent to the Nation's Capital. The Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, will build on the President's trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and it will strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing regions. The theme of the Summit is "Investing in the Next Generation." Focusing on the next generation is at the core of a government's responsibility and work, and this Summit is an opportunity to discuss ways to stimulate growth, unlock opportunities, and create an enabling environment for the next generation.
USAID seeks to end extreme poverty by investing in Africa's greatest resource--its people--to sustain and further development, opportunity, and human rights for this and future generations. Across the continent, we are implementing major initiatives to improve health, food security, electricity access, trade, and resilience that are underpinned by commitments to good governance, education, gender equity, and the environment. For more information, visit www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/africa.
+1.202.712.4320 | Email: USAIDPressOfficers@usaid.gov | Twitter: @USAIDPress
August 4-6
"I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world – partners with America on behalf of the future we want for all of our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility and mutual respect."
President Obama
President Obama in August will welcome leaders from across the African continent to the Nation's Capital for a three-day U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the first such event of its kind. This Summit, the largest event any U.S. President has held with African heads of state and government, will build on the President's trip to Africa in the summer of 2013 and it will strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world's most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Specifically, the August 4-6 Summit will advance the Administration's focus on trade and investment in Africa and highlight America's commitment to Africa's security, its democratic development, and its people. At the same time, it will highlight the depth and breadth of the United States' commitment to the African continent, advance our shared priorities and enable discussion of concrete ideas to deepen the partnership. At its core, this Summit is about fostering stronger ties between the United States and Africa.The theme of the Summit is "Investing in the Next Generation." Focusing on the next generation is at the core of a government's responsibility and work, and this Summit is an opportunity to discuss ways of stimulating growth, unlocking opportunities, and creating an enabling environment for the next generation.
Program of Events
View a PDF of the schedule. (subject to change)
Throughout the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, African leaders will have an opportunity to engage with President Obama, his Cabinet members, and other key leaders, including business executives from the U.S. and Africa, Members of Congress, and members of civil society.
Discussions will center on how to encourage progress in key areas that Africans define as critical for the future of the continent: expanding trade and investment ties, engaging young African leaders, promoting inclusive sustainable development, expanding cooperation on peace and security, and gaining a better future for Africa's next generation.
President Obama invited all African heads of state or government in good standing with the United States and the African Union to attend the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. An invitation was also extended to the African Union Chairperson.
President Obama has issued invitations for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to heads of state or government from:
View All
Description of Events
AUGUST 1
Signature Events
The Summit will include six U.S. Government-sponsored "Signature Events," allowing for in-depth conversations on some of the most pressing issues facing the U.S.-Africa partnership. These sessions will set the stage for the high-level discussions that President Obama will chair during the subsequent Summit leader meetings.
The Summit will include six U.S. Government-sponsored "Signature Events," allowing for in-depth conversations on some of the most pressing issues facing the U.S.-Africa partnership. These sessions will set the stage for the high-level discussions that President Obama will chair during the subsequent Summit leader meetings.
Faith Works: Honoring the Contributions of the Faith Community to Peace and Prosperity in Africa
AUGUST 4
Signature Events
On August 4, the Summit will hold the following Signature Events:
On August 4, the Summit will hold the following Signature Events:
Civil Society Forum
Investing in Women, Peace, and Prosperity
Investing in Health: Investing in Africa's Future
Resilience and Food Security in a Changing Climate
Combating Wildlife Trafficking
AGOA Forum
To further demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable economic growth and development in Africa U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Ministerial at the World Bank. African and U.S. trade officials will discuss the future of the AGOA program and U.S. plans to pursue renewal of AGOA legislation.
To further demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable economic growth and development in Africa U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Ministerial at the World Bank. African and U.S. trade officials will discuss the future of the AGOA program and U.S. plans to pursue renewal of AGOA legislation.
Capitol Hill Reception
The Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees will host a welcome reception for African leaders on Capitol Hill in the afternoon.
The Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees will host a welcome reception for African leaders on Capitol Hill in the afternoon.
AUGUST 4
Signature Events
On August 4, the Summit will hold the following Signature Events:
On August 4, the Summit will hold the following Signature Events:
Faith Works: Honoring the Contributions of the Faith Community to Peace and Prosperity in Africa
The "Faith Works: Honoring the Contributions of the Faith Community to Peace and Prosperity in Africa" Signature Event will be the first official event of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and will take place on the morning of August 1. The session will bring together a diverse cross-section of religious leaders and faith-based organizations, U.S. Government officials, and African leaders to recognize the significant role the faith community plays in advancing peace, prosperity, and development throughout Africa. The event is also an opportunity for the faith community to provide input into the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Across Africa, faith-based organizations have helped to lift up vulnerable populations and contribute to improving lives. From building peace and promoting human rights, to improving agriculture, from boosting literacy rates, to providing urgently needed relief and assistance in the most dangerous places, the faith community is helping to invest in the next generation. Civil Society Forum
The "Civil Society Forum" Signature Event will be convened on the morning of August 4 by Secretary of State Kerry and will bring together U.S. and African government leaders, members of African and U.S. civil society and the diaspora, and private sector leaders. The Forum will focus on leveraging the knowledge and experience of citizens and civil society to solve the key challenges of our time, and will highlight the importance of civic space to social entrepreneurship, civic innovation and development. The Forum will also highlight the importance of safeguarding civic space in order to spur social entrepreneurship, civic innovation, and development. The Forum will consist of three components: a set of thematic breakout sessions on key issues, including governance and transparency, trade and investment, and labor issues; a keynote address; and a Global Town Hall with African Leaders moderated by Secretary Kerry. In addition, interested parties will also have the opportunity to submit short video questions via YouTube and Twitter in advance of the Forum.
Investing in Women, Peace, and Prosperity
The "Investing in Women, Peace, and Prosperity" Signature Event will recognize that African women's leadership and meaningful participation at all levels — in government, the economy, and civil society — accelerates economic development, improves health and educational indicators, advances democratic development, and improves the safety and security of all of their citizens. The discussion will underscore the importance of supporting African women's leadership and meaningful participation across all sectors of society. It will specifically highlight promising practices and reinforce U.S.-African partnerships in expanding economic opportunity for women, promoting civic and political leadership for women and girls, and increasing women's meaningful roles in conflict prevention, peace-building, and security decision-making.
Investing in Health: Investing in Africa's Future
The "Investing in Health: Investing in Africa's Future" Signature Event will bring together senior U.S. government officials, African leaders, Ministers of Health, and senior health policy makers who will envision the future of U.S.-African global health partnerships in achieving global health security, promoting science and health, reaching an AIDS-free generation, and ending preventable child and maternal deaths.
This discussion will highlight the decades-long U.S.-African health partnership that has saved and improved millions of lives. It will also be an opportunity for U.S. and African leaders to agree on how we can further advance our shared health and development goals through our strong partnerships.
This discussion will highlight the decades-long U.S.-African health partnership that has saved and improved millions of lives. It will also be an opportunity for U.S. and African leaders to agree on how we can further advance our shared health and development goals through our strong partnerships.
Resilience and Food Security in a Changing Climate
The "Resilience and Food Security in a Changing Climate" Signature Event will highlight three critical and interrelated areas in the U.S-Africa relationship: food security, climate change, and resilience. These issues are of particular concern for African nations, where the majority of rural populations rely on rain-fed agriculture. More productive agricultural systems will help transform lives, communities, and nations by generating income and by freeing resources for rural populations to participate in additional sectors of the economy. However, progress in this regard is threatened by the worsening impacts of climate change, including more frequent and extreme weather events and their negative impacts on agriculture and other rural livelihoods. Climate shocks, as well as shocks caused by other environmental, social and economic disturbances, undercut household and community stability and resilience, and erode hard-won development gains. The event will highlight how climate change and variability are impacting food security in Africa, and how key U.S. initiatives align with the commitments of African leaders to bolster the resilience of people, households, communities and systems.
Combating Wildlife Trafficking
The "Combating Wildlife Trafficking" Signature Event will be an opportunity for African leaders to join together and share their ideas on how to best counter the poaching threat and inspire African youth to safeguard their natural heritage for future generations. The United States seeks African perspectives on wildlife trafficking, poaching, and protection of natural resources to inform future efforts in this arena. By including Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellows in the event, we hope to mobilize the next generation of African leaders in wildlife conservation through national, regional, and community-based solutions.
Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that is a critical conservation concern and global security threat. This past February, President Obama approved a new National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking that underscores the United States' commitment to help stem this illegal trade that is decimating species and undermining security across nations. Intended participants are members of African delegations, YALI fellows, officials from United States Government Task Force agencies and departments, NGOs, and the U.S. Congress.
Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise that is a critical conservation concern and global security threat. This past February, President Obama approved a new National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking that underscores the United States' commitment to help stem this illegal trade that is decimating species and undermining security across nations. Intended participants are members of African delegations, YALI fellows, officials from United States Government Task Force agencies and departments, NGOs, and the U.S. Congress.
AGOA Forum
To further demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable economic growth and development in Africa U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Ministerial at the World Bank. African and U.S. trade officials will discuss the future of the AGOA program and U.S. plans to pursue renewal of AGOA legislation.
To further demonstrate our commitment to the sustainable economic growth and development in Africa U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman will host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Ministerial at the World Bank. African and U.S. trade officials will discuss the future of the AGOA program and U.S. plans to pursue renewal of AGOA legislation.
Capitol Hill Reception
The Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees will host a welcome reception for African leaders on Capitol Hill in the afternoon.
The Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees will host a welcome reception for African leaders on Capitol Hill in the afternoon.
AUGUST 5
U.S.-Africa Business Forum
On August 5, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies will co-host the first U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a day focused on strengthening trade and financial ties between the United States and Africa. President Obama will participate in the Business Forum along with Secretary Pritzker and Mayor Bloomberg, as will other senior U.S. government officials. Held at the Mandarin Oriental, in Washington, D.C., the U.S.-Africa Business Forum will intensify efforts to strengthen trade and financial ties between the United States and Africa and seek to create partnerships that will promote trade, accelerate job growth, and encourage investment. The Forum will focus on U.S. private sector engagement in Africa in the areas of finance and capital investment; infrastructure; power and energy; agriculture; consumer goods; and information and communication technology. African leaders will engage with business executives from both sides of the Atlantic to engage in conversations about successes and solutions to increase trade with and invest in Africa. President Obama will participate in the conversation with CEOs and government leaders from the United States and Africa.
On August 5, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies will co-host the first U.S.-Africa Business Forum, a day focused on strengthening trade and financial ties between the United States and Africa. President Obama will participate in the Business Forum along with Secretary Pritzker and Mayor Bloomberg, as will other senior U.S. government officials. Held at the Mandarin Oriental, in Washington, D.C., the U.S.-Africa Business Forum will intensify efforts to strengthen trade and financial ties between the United States and Africa and seek to create partnerships that will promote trade, accelerate job growth, and encourage investment. The Forum will focus on U.S. private sector engagement in Africa in the areas of finance and capital investment; infrastructure; power and energy; agriculture; consumer goods; and information and communication technology. African leaders will engage with business executives from both sides of the Atlantic to engage in conversations about successes and solutions to increase trade with and invest in Africa. President Obama will participate in the conversation with CEOs and government leaders from the United States and Africa.
White House Dinner on the occasion of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
On the evening of August 5, President and Mrs. Obama will host a dinner at the White House for African heads of state and government and select guests.
On the evening of August 5, President and Mrs. Obama will host a dinner at the White House for African heads of state and government and select guests.
AUGUST 6
Summit Leader Meetings
African leaders and President Obama will engage in dialogue in three action-oriented sessions that will address issues of shared interest and mutual concern.
African leaders and President Obama will engage in dialogue in three action-oriented sessions that will address issues of shared interest and mutual concern.
Spousal Program
On August 6, First Lady Michelle Obama, in partnership with former First Lady Laura Bush and the Bush Institute, will host a day-long spouses symposium at the Kennedy Center focused on the impact of investments in education, health, and public-private partnerships.
On August 6, First Lady Michelle Obama, in partnership with former First Lady Laura Bush and the Bush Institute, will host a day-long spouses symposium at the Kennedy Center focused on the impact of investments in education, health, and public-private partnerships.
A Dialogue with African CEOs
On August 6, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and the Congressional Black Caucus Africa Task Force will host "A Dialogue with African CEOs," entailing panel discussions and networking with African business and political leaders, U.S. private sector representatives, and members of Congress.
On August 6, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks and the Congressional Black Caucus Africa Task Force will host "A Dialogue with African CEOs," entailing panel discussions and networking with African business and political leaders, U.S. private sector representatives, and members of Congress.
Media
Any media-related questions should be directed to the U.S. Media Coordinator's Office, at AfricaSummitMedia@state.gov.
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