Washington, DC, US (PANA) – US President Barack Obama will host an African Summit in Washington, DC, 5-6 Aug. as part of efforts to strengthen trade and investment, the White House has announced.
The summit will also be used to highlight the US commitment to security and democracy in Africa
“The White House is pleased to announce that the United States will host the first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC on August 5 and 6, 2014,” White House Spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.
“President Obama looks forward to welcoming leaders from across the African continent to the Nation’s Capital to further strengthen ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions.
“The Summit will build on the progress made since the President’s trip to Africa last summer, 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,” he said.
It is not yet known which African leaders will be invited to the summit, which the White House says will build on progress made since Obama visited three African countries in 2013 – Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.
Obama, whose father hailed from Kenya, visited Ghana in 2009 and followed up with a week-long visit to three more African nations last year.
Analysts said the US has lost ground to its competitors, especially China, in areas of trade and investments in Africa.
While trade between Africa and China stood at US$15 billion about 10 years ago, it is now about US$200 billion.
Photo:
Center for American Progress Action Fund
