U.S. Trade Policy
South Africa, AGOA, and nonalignment
During his visit to Africa last year, President Obama announced that his administration would host the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit as part of an ongoing campaign to open a new chapter in America’s relationship with the region. For years, U.S. engagement in Africa has emphasized poverty reduction, foreign aid and addressing catastrophes, like the tragic spread of HIV/AIDS. While critically important, these priorities have not fully kept pace with dramatic changes occurring across the region, as Africa today has emerged as one of the world’s premier destinations for cutting-edge innovation and inspiring entrepreneurship. This upcoming summit presents an unparalleled opportunity for the U.S. government and people to recalibrate their approach to this rapidly changing region.
On August 4, the Brookings Institution convened a high-level forum of entrepreneurs and leaders in business, government, civil society and the media. The event explored priorities for U.S.-Africa policy; business strategies for economic growth and development; innovation; governance; and shifting perceptions of Africa in the eyes of the rest of the world.
Introduction and Bipartisan Congressional Perspectives on the Significance of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Charting a New Economic Future: Opportunities, Entrepreneurs, and Consumers Changing a Region
Charting a New Economic Future: Opportunities, Entrepreneurs, and Consumers Changing a Region
Connecting a Continent: Linking Places, People and Markets
Connecting a Continent: Linking Places, People and Markets
A Changing Dynamic: Africa’s Image and U.S. Perceptions in the 21st Century
A Changing Dynamic: Africa’s Image and U.S. Perceptions in the 21st Century
Agenda
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August 4
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Session 1: Introductory Remarks
9:15 am - 9:30 am
Mwangi S. Kimenyi Former Brookings Expert -
Bipartisan Congressional Perspectives on the Significance of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Moderator
Vera Songwe Nonresident Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development, Africa Growth Initiative @SongweVeraPanelist
THKRB(The Honorable Karen R. Bass (D-Calif.) U.S. House of RepresentativesTHCS(The Honorable Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) U.S. House of Representatives -
Coffee Break
10:30 am - 11:00 am
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Charting a New Economic Future: Opportunities, Entrepreneurs, and Consumers Changing a Region
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Moderator
Panelist
CCCarolyn Campbell Managing Director & General Counsel - Emerging Capital Partners
Donald Kaberuka Former President - African Development Bank, Board Chair - The Global Fund, Special Envoy of the African Union @donaldkaberukaMIMo Ibrahim Founder and Chair - Mo Ibrahim FoundationJNJason Njoku Founder & CEO - iROKO Partners -
Luncheon
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
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Session 2: Connecting a Continent: Linking Places, People and Markets
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
FdSFernando de Sousa General Manager, African Initiatives - MicrosoftJIJay Ireland Former CEO - GE Africa, Former Chair - President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in AfricaRCRobert Collymore Chief Executive Officer - SafaricomSMStrive Masiyiwa Founder and Executive Chairman - Econet Wireless International -
Coffee Break
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
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A Changing Dynamic: Africa’s Image and U.S. Perceptions in the 21st Century
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Witney Schneidman Nonresident Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development, Africa Growth Initiative @WitneySchneid
WWWilliam Wallis Writer and Former Editor, African Affairs - Financial TimesAMBAmadou Mahtar Ba Executive Chair - AllAfrica Global MediaJPJohn Prendergast Co-Founder - Enough Project -
Conclusion
5:00 pm
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