On Wednesday, December 15, President Joseph Biden, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council on Africa, hosted the U.S. – Africa Business Forum in Washington, D.C.
The summit brought together over 50 African Heads of State and senior U.S. senior officials including The President, Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, Secretary of Commerce, Gina M. Raimondo, and Members of Congress.
Creative Associates International was honored by being one of the few USAID development implementing partners invited by The White House to attend, represented by President and CEO, Leland Kruvant and Dr. Jim Winkler, Vice President, Economic Growth Division. Other organizations included Anglo America, GE, IBM, VISA and the Rockefeller Foundation as well as numerous distinguished African business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The forum agenda focused on issues of critical importance to Africa’s future development. These included panel discussions on The Future of U.S. – Africa Trade and Investment Relations, Partnerships to Finance African Infrastructure and Energy Transition, Growing Agribusiness and Strengthening Food Security and Advancing Digital Technology.
“For over three decades Creative has partnered with African governments, organizations, and communities to expand economic opportunity, strengthen educational systems, and build country resilience. It was inspiring to see first-hand the depth and breadth of America’s partnership with the continent.” said Kruvant.
During the forum, Leland thanked Representative Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, for his exceptional support for development assistance funding. In a conversation with Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, Leland spoke about the legacy of the TZ21 education program implemented by Creative to strengthen the teaching-learning process in early grade reading, mathematics, and science supporting over 200,000 students.
Jim used the opportunity to speak with many business leaders and officials about the unique blended finance framework of the Trade Hub and what is being accomplished through its 91 partnerships in West Africa in improving trade relations.
In closing remarks, President Biden spoke eloquently about the bright future of U.S. – Africa Trade Relations, including the establishment of the U.S. – Africa Continental Free Trade Area with a continent-wide market of $3.4 trillion. “Together, we want to build a future of opportunity where no one — no one is left behind,” stated The President.
Remarks by President Biden at the U.S. – Africa Business Forum:
Event Photos: https://www.state.gov/africasummit/photos/