- The purpose of these visits is for Secretary Blinken to assess the impact of the U.S.-Africa partnership on socio-economic conditions in the mentioned African countries
Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, is set to embark on official visits to Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, and Cabo Verde from January 21 to 26, 2024.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, disclosed this on Thursday, stating that the purpose of these visits is for Secretary Blinken to assess the impact of the U.S.-Africa partnership on socio-economic conditions in the mentioned African countries.
The statement outlines, “Throughout the trip, the Secretary will highlight the accelerated U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, particularly in areas such as climate, food, and health security. He will emphasize our forward-looking economic collaboration and the U.S. investment in African infrastructure to enhance bilateral trade, generate jobs domestically and on the continent, and bolster Africa’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
“Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law. He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“The United States reaffirms its sustained commitment to high-level U.S. engagement with Africa,” the statement added.
In December, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit demonstrated a renewed commitment of the United States to expand partnerships with African countries, institutions, and people. As part of this revitalised and expanded cooperation, the United States intends to invest $55 billion in Africa over the next three years.
In addition, U.S. and African businesses, governments, and investors showcased investments and partnerships, now valued at $16.2 billion, orchestrated through the U.S.-Africa Business Forum. A summary of each commitment is below. This factsheet is a living document and will be updated as commitments from the Summit continue to evolve.