The US-Africa summit, the first in 8 years, holds the objective of covering matters pertaining to health, climate change, food security, civil wars, and outer space explorations.
Washington held the US-Africa Summit on Tuesday, December 13th, with nearly 50 imminent African leaders flying in to commence the three-day talk on key issues having catastrophic effects on the continent in particular and the world in general. The US-Africa summit, the first in 8 years, holds the objective of covering matters pertaining to health, climate change, food security, civil wars and outer space explorations. Additionally, the US officials plan to discuss contemporary topics such as commercial investments and technology that produce potential long-term benefits for Africa.
President Joe Biden’s administration is in desperate measures to mend relations with Africa after former President Donald J Trump kept brushing the nations off and belittling them in a White House meeting in 2018.
The US-Africa summit kicked off with meetings centered around crucial environmental topics, democratic governance and security and public health. The officials discussed that African leadership is the key to square up to peace, security, and governance challenges. US trade representative Katherine Tai has led a ministerial conference on trade.
The African continent is facing a grappling food shortage, magnified by the after-effects of Covid-19 that disrupted supply chains and the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
The United States has the plan to commit US$55 billion to Africa spread over the coming three years. The money will be sanctioned to combat core challenges existing in a range of sectors. The congressional collaboration will be key to its distribution. This economic aid package shall provide an economic presence for Washington, thereby also promoting development in the African region. So far, the plan for dispensing the $55 billion is as follows:
Health
Joe Biden’s administration has apportioned $20 billion to health programs in Africa. The breakup includes $11.5 billion in HIV/AIDS, a little over $ 2 billion to curtail malaria, a little over $ 2 billion to support programs aimed at family planning and reproductive, maternal and child health, a little over $ 2 billion to address economic, humanitarian and health impacts of the global Covis-19 pandemic. Congress will be further approached for $4 billion for healthcare workers.
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the greatest menaces existing in the world, demanding immediate action. The Biden-Harris government has already invested and plans to provide at least $1.1 billion to boost the African efforts of conservation, energy transitions, and climate adaptations.
Africa has been receiving American assistance for quite a long time, but the effect seems to remain limited. Despite half a century’s worth of economic grants, the development problems haven’t been subdued. Africa requires more attention from the international community. Uneven distribution of assistance in recipient countries on the basis of western ideologies generally contributes to social and economic problems.
The White House stresses the urgent requirement to strengthen democracies across continents to increase stability. They have included anti-corruption programs and show support for independent journalism to promote democracy.
US officials are perturbed about the influence of China and Russia over the African continent. In addition, the instability caused in the economy by constant famines, climate changes, and epidemics is a cause of pivotal concern. America seeks to provide and create economic opportunities for the youth of the continent. They look forward to making additional investments to help students participate in exchange programs between the countries, hike trade opportunities and provide aid to African SMEs.
The United States’ interest in renewing ties with Africa has been challenged by China. Beijing has, on the other hand, held regular high-level meetings with Africa every three years for the past twenty years.
President Biden is expected to give his round of speeches on Wednesday and Thursday. He is anticipated to announce his support as the African Union moves to join the G20 group as a permanent member. The president and first lady Jill Biden is also scheduled to host the African delegates for dinner on Wednesday at the White House.
The US President has visited multiple allies in Europe, Asia, Middle East since taking office in 2020 but not Africa yet. This summit, thus, is paramount even to assess the complexities prevailing in the continent.