The United States will commit $55 billion to Africa over the next three years as President Joe Biden prepares to host the United States-Africa Summit this week and to discuss the 2023 elections and democracy on the continent with a small group of leaders.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States was bringing “resources to the table” at the summit, adding that the American commitment to investing in the African continent compares favorably to other countries. ‘other countries.
Sullivan also said Biden would host a dinner Wednesday night for regarding 50 African leaders and announce U.S. support for the African Union to join major Group of 20 (G20) economies. He will also push for a permanent member of the African continent on the United Nations Security Council.
Biden has made trips to visit US allies in Asia, Europe and the Middle East since taking office, but has yet to visit Africa since becoming president, and the event will be his the most comprehensive look at the complexities of the continent.
So far, part of Biden’s diplomatic efforts have focused on promoting Western democracies as counterweights to China, but US officials have insisted the Africa summit is not just regarding discussing Beijing’s influence in Africa.
Biden will also appoint a special representative to implement ideas discussed at the summit, and the US State Department plans to appoint Ambassador Johnnie Carson to the position, Sullivan said. More than 300 American and African companies will meet with heads of different delegations to discuss investments in critical sectors, he said.
Sullivan also added that the United States “will not impose conditionality” on the African summit to support the war in Ukraine.
Separately, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said her agency is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with African countries in the continental free trade area to explore work on next phases of the trade relationship. African-American.