The United States (US) President Joe Biden on Wednesday called for a long-term partnership with Africa., reported The News 18.
Addressing the heads of state from African nations who gathered for the three-day summit in Washington, Biden said his country is “all in on Africa’s future,” vowing billions in funding and private investment to help the growing continent in health, infrastructure, business and technology sectors.
“We’re all in on Africa’s future,” Biden told the crowd of African leaders gathered at Washington’s sprawling convention center.
The US president said African success and prosperity is essential for a better future for the world, not just for Africa.
Washington invited delegates from 49 African countries, as well as the African Union, to the three-day summit, which is a follow-up to the first such gathering held eight years ago under the leadership of former President Barack Obama. The summit is the largest international gathering in Washington since before the start of the pandemic.
Biden said a new U.S. agreement with the African Continental Free Trade Area will provide American companies access to 1.3 billion people and a market valued at $3.4 trillion.
The talks come as the Biden government works to rebuild US relationships abroad, after four years of the “America First” foreign policy under his predecessor Donald Trump.
As per reports, the US is far behind China in terms of investment in sub-Saharan Africa. About 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, and the young population is expected to grow to 80% by 2050.
Biden has already pledged USD 55 billion in economic aid to African countries over the next three years, including $100 million for clean energy. He also outlined commitments by businesses including $1 billion of investment by credit card leader Visa.
The US has also offered support for a permanent Group of 20 seat for the African Union, and the appointment of a special representative to implement summit commitments.
