Vision Statement for the United States (U.S.)-Africa Partnership

By our Correspondent

Foisted on the memorable occasion of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., the United States and the African Union, under the leadership of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of Senegal and Chair of the African Union Macky Sall, and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat, we affirm our commitment to reinforce longstanding areas of cooperation and expand our partnership to better meet the shared challenges – and opportunities – of our dynamic era.

The United States and African nations recognize that our world is quickly changing, and this Summit reflected how our relationship is evolving with it. We will deepen our collaboration to solve global problems and shape the rules of the road for technology, space, cybersecurity, trade, environmental protection, and economics.

The statement continues: Our partnership is based on a conviction that Africa’s governments and peoples will help define the future of the international order to address our world’s most pressing challenges. The United States, for its part, will support and work to realize greater – and long overdue – African representation in international institutions, including those that shape global governance. The United States has announced a plan to reform the United Nations Security Council, including support for permanent seats for countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and voiced support for the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member. We will continue to lead with our shared values, including a commitment to the United Nations Charter and to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

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So, at the Summit, we have announced new investments and initiatives that will equip American and African institutions and citizens to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges in an increasingly urban and connected world. Our renewed and expanded partnership is critical to tackling the food security and climate crises, strengthening health systems and preparing for the next pandemic, building a strong and inclusive global economy, supporting good governance and respect for human rights, and advancing peace and security.

The statement further said: We are dedicated to responding to the current food security crisis and bolstering resilient and sustainable food systems. Recognizing today’s acute food security needs, which have been heightened by the war in Ukraine, we plan to continue to partner to supply humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities. But responding to emergencies is not enough; we announced a new strategic partnership that seeks to deepen our collaboration to increase food production capacity and diversify and strengthen the resilience of food supply chains.

Again it said, “We recognize that many of the world’s countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are in Africa. Building on the progress made at COP27, we jointly stress the urgency and importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing a just energy transition, while partnering to build resilience to climate hazards. We are committed to supporting climate adaptation and resilience efforts and will work to facilitate enhanced collaboration among our respective governments, other international partners, education and research institutions, and private sectors to do so.”

And it said too that “We reaffirm our shared commitment to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. As part of this effort, we will expand our support to strengthen the region’s health workforce, regional manufacturing capacity, and health infrastructure. We have deepened the partnership between the United States and Africa CDC to achieve our shared global health goals.”

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Hence, “We are resolved to enhance our collaboration to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development. We will bring together business and government leaders to advance two-way trade and accelerate investment in quality infrastructure. We will leverage our institutions and programs, in addition to strengthening enabling environments, to realize this shared aspiration. This will include expanded engagement and cooperation between the United States and African countries to support the aims of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Moreover, “We are increasing our cooperation to tackle insecurity, criminality, and terrorism. We affirm that locally led approaches are essential to advancing our mutual interest in a peaceful and secure Africa. We understand that economic inequality, political marginalization, and abuse of power are drivers of conflict. We will adopt a more holistic approach to address insecurity, and promote transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

Thus, “We will reinforce our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Importantly, we will focus on restoring civilian rule in countries currently in transition and demonstrate that democracy delivers across the region.”

And like all partners, we will sometimes disagree. Rather than allow these differences to divide or define the partnership, we will include areas of divergence on the agenda and welcome respectful debate as a sign of the strength and maturity of our relationships.

But through our partnership, we will harness the dynamism of the African and American peoples to enhance prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. Our vibrant business, civil society, and people-to-people ties are sources of strength that we will leverage with greater purpose than before. We will prioritize engagement with members of the African Diaspora, whose voices are critical in the United States and around the world.

Therefore, more work remains to realize our shared aspirations. Recognizing the importance of implementing the commitments discussed at the Summit, we intend to accelerate high-level exchanges and dedicate senior diplomats to carry out our joint vision for a 21st century partnership. The future of Africa and the United States depends on what we can achieve together. We will redouble our efforts to ensure our partnership delivers results for our peoples and the world.