AU Mission, Washington, DC - Invest In Africa 2018

AFRICAN UNION MISSION | WASHINGTON, DC

An Official Publication

INVEST IN

AFRICA 2018

AFRICA DAY SPECIAL EDITION

PRESIDENT PAUL KAGAME (RWANDA) Chairperson of the African Union Excerpts from Acceptance Speech 30th African Union Summit, Addis Ababa 28 January 2018 It is a solemn honour to accept the call to serve as Chairperson of our Union. I promise to do this with you and do the best job I can.

Africa’s defining challenge is to create a pathway to prosperity for our people, especially young people. Elsewhere, this has been achieved through industrialisation. But the growth trajectory that transformed Asia is not necessarily any longer a viable option for Africa simply because we waited too long to act. Technology has evolved so rapidly in recent years that Africa’s window to follow that strategy is narrowing much more rapidly than previously understood. We are running out of time and we must act now to save Africa from permanent deprivation.

Scale is essential. We must create a single continental market, integrate our infrastructure, and infuse our economies with technology.

No country or region can manage on its own. We have to be functional and we have to stay together.

The financial and institutional reform of the African

Union derives all of its urgency from these realities.

Fortunately, Africa has assets and strengths to build on, starting with this organisation and its tangible commitment to unity. This is an advantage which no other region of the world possesses in such abundance. Unity must be our starting point as we do the necessary work of re-defining our plans and ambitions in continental terms. These changes need to happen. There is no country on our continent that does not want to be part of a more assertive and visible Africa. The programmes, policies, and priorities of the African Union contain the right tools for the job.

There is tremendous value in the African Union’s flagship initiatives, such as Agenda 2063. We are in a position to adopt three historic agreements that are of the highest importance for building Africa’s wealth from within.

Our job is to make sure that every generation in Africa enjoys a better life than the previous one.

EDITORIAL

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

MANAGING EDITOR FREDERICK NNOMA-ADDISON

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission

AU EDITORIAL CONSULTANT H.E. DR. ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI-QUAO AU COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT MAUREEN NKANDU AU EDITORIAL LIASON / ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER MIRIAM MENDA AU POLICY OFFICER SERAPHINE MANIRAMBONA AU SECRETARY JOSEPHA M. MUSABYEMARIYA CONTENT EDITOR BERYL NNOMA-ADDISON An official publication of the African Union Representational Mission to the United States of America 1640 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007 United States Tel: +1 (202) 342 1100 Fax: +1 (202) 342 1114 Email: au—Washington@africa-union.org

H.E. Thomas Kwesi Quartey Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Honorable Donald Yamamoto Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao AU Permanent Representative to the United States Representative Karen Bass Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa Honorable Albert Muchanga AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry Honorable Wilbur Ross US Secretary of Commerce Dr. David Luke Coordinator, Africa Trade Policy Center, UNECA Honorable Alan Kyerematen Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Ghana

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Ahmed El-Basheer A. El-Madani Director, Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) Honorable Boyd K. Rutherford Lieutenant Governor, State of Maryland Honorable John C. Wobensmith Secretary of State, State of Maryland Dr. Remi Duyile President, Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association (PADWA) Tom Minney African Capital Markets News

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Cover Page Picture: African Union Permanent Representative to the United States and Members of the African Diplomatic Corps.

Africa Day 2017—Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC. By George Bright, The Afrikan Post © 2018. This publication in its entirety and all its contents are protected by international copyright laws. All rights reserved. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed by independent authors and contributors in this publication are provided in the writers’ personal capacities and are their sole responsibility. Their independently authored articles and contributions do not necessarily reflect the views of and opinions of the African Union or AMIP News and must not be regarded as or interpreted as constituting advice on any matter whatsoever. The reproduction of advertisements in this publication does not in any way imply endorsement by the African Union or AMIP News of products or services advertised.

CONTENTS

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

MESSAGES H.E. MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT

H.E. DR. ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI-QUAO

Chairperson of the African Union Commission

AU Permanent Representative to the United States

H.E. THOMAS KWESI QUARTEY

HONORABLE ALBERT MUCHANGA

Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry

HONORABLE DONALD YAMAMOTO

DR. DAVID LUKE

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Coordinator, Africa Trade Policy Center, UNECA

AU MISSION, WASINGTON, DC • About Africa House �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10 • New Radio and TV Station ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 THE AFRICAN UNION • 30th AU Summit ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 16 • OAU to AU, Brief History ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 • AGENDA 2063 ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 INVEST IN AFRICA • The Call to Invest in Africa ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 • African Stock Exchanges ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 23 • AU African Diaspora Centers of Excellence ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 • Wakanda One ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 25 • African Continental Free Trade Area �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 AGENDA 2063 & THE DIASPORA • Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 • Maryland Celebrates African Diaspora ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 31 • Mobilizing the Diaspora �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 • Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association (PADWA) ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 • African Born U.S. Population: 1970–Present ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 36 AFRICA-US ENGAGEMENT • President Trump Reaffirms His Commitment to Africa ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 • Kagame and Trump Meeting ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 • Buhari and Trump Meeting ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 • President Trump meeting with African Heads of State ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 • AU-US High Level Dialogue ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 • Salute to the State Department Africa Bureau ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 42 • Secretary Tillerson in Africa �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46 • Commentary on AGOA & Trade ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 48 WASHINGTON NEWS • New in Washington �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 50 • African Diplomatic Corps ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 53 • Regional Deans �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 53 • African Embassies/Ambassadors Directory ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 54

MESSAGES Happy Africa Day 2018.

On this occasion, I pay tribute to Africa’s vibrant youth who have been at the center of our agenda, as the African Union (AU) works to open up opportunities for them in every field.

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the African Union Commission

Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youth made it possible to renew our commitments, as African states and institutions, to achieve our targets for young people, such as reducing the proportion of youth unemployment by at least 2 percent annually. In adopting the African Union Demographic Dividend Roadmap, member states have pledged to open up financial services for young people, promote entrepreneurship, increase investments in health and education, and create spaces for youth civic engagement and political participation. They further pledged to mobilize investments in sectors with the potential for high employment multiplier effects and to engage the corporate sector to encourage on-the-job training and philanthropic programs.

Member states also renewed their commitments to empowering the youth through the ratification, domestication, and full implementation of all African Union Shared Values instruments, including the African Youth Charter and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.

African Union Headquaters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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M essages

Welcome to Invest in Africa 2018. This 8th edition of Invest in Africa takes stock of Africa’s challenges and achievements over the past year. We also identify investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Africa is a continent with immense natural resources.

It possesses a dynamic potential for human capital. What Africa needs is to position herself as a strong global player. Our vision is an integrated and prosperous Africa, driven by its own citizens.

This is our Agenda 2063. It is Africa’s strategic socio-economic development framework. These are the guiding principles for Africa’s sustainable development and economic transformation. Despite the recent economic slowdown, Africa’s growth prospects remain positive. More and more, Africa’s growth will have to be less dependent on natural resources. The growing shift to tertiary service is beginning to bear fruit. Projections from the African Development bank show Africa’s economic outlook is Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission likely to gain momentum in 2018, following recorded improvements in 2017 and 2016. GDP growth is projected to expand to 3.7% in 2018 from 3.0% in 2017 and up from 2.2% in 2016. This is facilitated by improvements in the business environment, largely due to improved macroeconomic governance. Increased diversification in structures and improved institutional governance have enhanced the continent’s ability to withstand external shocks.

H.E. Thomas Kwesi Quartey

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MESSAGES

Ambassador Donald Yamamoto

The Trump Administration’s overall goal is to broaden and deepen the relationship between the United States and Africa.

Last September, he hosted a luncheon at the United Nations General Assembly with several African leaders. Energy Secretary Perry was in South Africa last October, while UN Ambassador Nikki Haley traveled to Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. We hosted the Ministerial on trade, security, and governance, for 37 foreign ministers from across the continent, including the Maghreb, as well as sub-Saharan Africa, and held our annual African Union–U.S. High Level Dialogue.

We want to look at Africa in the 2100s and 2050s.

Africa is going to really transform and change. It’s going to be a continent of 2.2 billion people; that’s going to be the most populous continent on earth.

You are going to have a manufacturing output that is going to double from the current $500 billion to over $1 trillion. More important is that 25 percent of the world’s labor force is going to be African.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

We want to be right there with our African partners to develop and really work with Africa, to see how we can not only develop the relationship, but also address the needs of the people of Africa.

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M essages

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you the newly rebranded African Union (AU) magazine, Invest in Africa, which is now produced by the African Union Mission to the United States of America, in Washington, DC. The new emphasis of this magazine is the African Diaspora and its role in Africa’s socioeconomic development, and I am extremely honored to champion this agenda, being a Diaspora myself.

H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao African Union Permanent Representative to the United States

Through this publication, we will articulate Africa’s aspirations, proudly showcase her accomplishments and success stories, and profile investment opportunities in all 55-member countries. Invest in Africa will also report on outcomes of collaborations between Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora, including the activities of the Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association (PADWA) and the AU Diaspora Health Initiative, which mobilizes Diaspora healthcare professionals and resources to meet needs in Africa.

With an estimated population of 1.2 billion, a large and energetic youthful demographic, and bountiful natural resources, Africa offers unprecedented trade and investment opportunities in various sectors including the following: education, information communications technology (ICT), industry, finance, women and youth, health, and infrastructure, and the Diaspora must lead the effort to invest in these sectors.

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MESSAGES Perspectives on the African Continental Free Trade Area and African Growth and Opportunity Act Nexus (Excerpt) Honorable

Albert Muchanga

Commissioner for Trade and Industry, African Union Commission On 21st March, 2018 In Kigali, Rwanda, the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government, in an Extra-Ordinary Summit, took a bold, historic and transformative step to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In so doing, Africa decided to put behind her, the era of small, isolated and fragmented markets.

Africa also decided that we can no longer continue to compete among ourselves to export commodities to the rest of the world. At the same Kigali Extra-Ordinary Summit, the Heads of State and Government signed the Protocol on Free Movement of People, Right of Establishment and Right of Residence, a Protocol which once it comes into force, will enable the people of Africa to move freely and cheaply across the continent, be it as investors, traders and tourists.

Three months earlier, the Heads of State and Government launched the Single African Air Transport Market to stimulate investment in the African civil aviation sector.

In this large, harmonized and attractive market of about 1.27 billion consumers, investors from both within Africa and outside the continent will also be attracted to take advantage of the economies of scale and scope that it has created. Production that is

centred on value addition will pick up, thereby contributing to the economic diversification of African countries as well as enhancing their export competitiveness both within Africa and the rest of the world. Under the African Continental Free Trade Area, intra-African trade is expected to grow by 52.3% by 2022 while African exports to the rest of the world are expected to grow by 6% within the same period.

This growth in Africa’s exports to the rest of the world will assist Africa to integrate in the global value chains and also help the continent to increase its exports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Herein lies its nexus with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

As widely known, AGOA is a United States Trade Act, enacted on 18th May 2000 as Public Law 106 of the 200th Congress. On 29th June 2015, the US Congress renewed AGOA for a further ten years up to 2025. The legislation significantly enhances market access to the US for qualifying African Union member states. In its design, AGOA was expected to contribute to Africa’s development and regional integration agenda through trade and investments by encouraging African exports to the US and encouraging establishment

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of investments for firms to produce eligible goods under the scheme.

With a large and attractive market in the AfCFTA, we invite US companies to take advantage of this growing market. Its attractiveness is well captured in the Washington Post article on the AfCFTA of 29th March, 2018.which stated; inter-alia: “(African) Countries…are likely to accelerate their industrial development. By 2030, Africa may emerge as a $2.5 trillion potential market for household consumption and $4.2 trillion for business-to-business consumption.”

Our concerted focus on industrialization is anchored on a number of factors. Of interest here is that liberalization will generate incentives for value addition in addition to the fact that Africa has a growing middle class. Africa’s population is expected to be around 1.7 billion by 2030 from which there will be a middle class of 600 million people.

M essages

ECA Support to AGOA By

Dr. David Luke

Coordinator, Africa Trade Policy Center United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

May 2018 The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)’s mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States including through regional integration and international cooperation. ECA through its Africa Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) has provided substantive technical support to AGOA eligible countries since its enactment to ensure effective implementation of the legislation. To this end, ATPC carries out research to assess the effectiveness of the initiative, track its performance and offer advice on enhancing the utilization of the preference. ATPC has also been active in providing evidence-based analysis to improve the program and ahead of successive renewals of the AGOA legislation to ensure that Africa’s interests are taken into account. This short article will look at these two aspects of ECA’s support to AGOA – enhancing utilization and improvement of the program.

As part of its support for enhancing utilization, in 2012, ATPC developed Guidelines on AGOA National Response Strategies to provide a structured framework to assist AGOA eligible countries in responding more effectively to the program and

to monitor and track performance.

The Guidelines have the objective of ensuring a results-based countryresponse to AGOA. ECA has utilized the Guidelines to support the development of AGOA Strategies for Lesotho, Zambia, Nigeria, Zambia, Sierra Leone and Cote d’Ivoire.

In addition, ECA regularly supports the preparation of the African Group in Washington DC for the annual AGOA Forum and Mid-Term Review in collaboration with African Union Commission (AUC) and African Development Bank (AfDB).

Turning to ECA support for improving the program, ECA’s research was instrumental in making the case for the introduction of the third country fabric provision which introduced flexibilities for AGOA eligible countries to source inputs from third countries in the manufacture of apparel for export to the US. In the run up to the 2015 renewal of the AGOA legislation, ECA was tasked by African Heads of State and Government to conduct research and make recommendations on how the program could be improved. The recommendations contributed to the successful renewal of the enhanced AGOA program for 10 years up to 2025. The 10-year time-frame was crucial for investors to be able to plan over a medium-term horizon.

Recently, with launch of the African Continental Free Trade (AfCTA) in March 2018, ATPC is intensifying efforts to ensure that AGOA contributes to the objectives of this initiative which include continental economic integration and industrial development.

It is against this background and in recognition that intra-African trade also enhances the capacity of African countries to export under AGOA, ECA organized a Capacity Building and Skills Development Workshop for AGOA eligible countries on April 30 - May 4 2018 in Accra, Ghana, to accelerate AGOA utilization rate for the remaining seven years before its expiry in 2025. The training workshop aimed at providing beneficiary countries with practical guidelines, country and regional experiences for designing national AGOA utilization strategies.

Going forward, ECA will continue to provide technical support for effective utilization of the AGOA program in the context of the opportunities for African business generated by regional integration initiatives such as the creation of the AfCTA and other Agenda 2063 programs.

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The M AU Ais frica sion Union

Africa House, 1640 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007

Chairman Faki Visits Africa House

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AU Mi ssi on

AU MISSION The African Union Representational Mission to the United States is the first bilateral diplomatic mission of the African Union. Officially launched on July 11, 2007, in Washington, DC, its mandate is to undertake, develop, and maintain constructive and productive institutional relationships between the African Union and the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, the African Diplomatic Corps, Africans in the Diaspora, and the Bretton Woods Institutions.

The Mission was established by the decision CM/DEC. 367 (LXVII) taken during the 67th Ordinary Session in February 1998, authorizing the secretary general to open an office in Washington, DC. Africa House, the permanent home of the mission, was officially inaugurated on August 3, 2014, by H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, then chairperson of the African Union Commission.

KEY PROJECTS * Radio and TV Station * Grand Africa Tour * Diaspora Mobilization * Improving AGOA Utilization * AU African Diaspora Centers of Excellence

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AU MISSION LAUNCHES RADIO AND TV STATION

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he African Union mission in the United States launched a radio and television station in conjunction with the African Ambassadors Group (AAG) in Washington, DC, to help promote investment among member states in Africa and address issues affecting the Diaspora in the United States.

AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Ambassador

Dr. Kwesi Quartey praised the AU mission in Washington, DC, for providing leadership in establishing the station.

He urged the AAG to “put Africa first” by attracting more investment in sectors such as education, health, and skills training in technology. He also called for the promotion of peace and security, and urged member states to adhere

to issues of governance and accountability to the rule of law.

AU Permanent Representative Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori urged the AAG to utilize the radio station as a platform to connect with the Diaspora.

Dr. Chihombori also called on press attachés in embassies of the AAG to develop a sense of ownership of the

“I want this radio broadcasting facility inside our mission to be a vehicle for engaging the Diaspora worldwide.”— H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao.

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AU Mi ssi on

new station and maximize the opportunity.

Zambia’s chargé d’affaires Joseph Chilaizya said the time has come for Africa to tell its own story because the U.S. media rarely covers positive issues on Africa.

“It’s good that Africans will own their narrative when they speak about Africa.”

He gave credit to the AU for funding the project.

“Diasporans should use this forum to raise issues pertaining to immigration, jobs and education within the current administration,” Mr. Chilaizya said.

Constituency for Africa (CFA) President Melvin Foote shown with Dr. Jemadari Kamara of the University of Massachusetts, debating “PanAfricanism in the 21st Century” in the African Union Mission studio which officially launches May 25, 2017.

Diaspora Registration: www.auwashingtondc.org

AU Mission Supports PROLAW Scholars

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oyola University Chicago School of Law’s Program in Rule of Law for Development (PROLAW) works to support sustained progress toward rule of law in countries that are in development, economic transition, or recovery from violent conflict. Its vision is a world in which all countries are governed under the rule of law that facilitates their pursuit of justice and sustainable development.

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GRAND AFRICA TOUR:

CAPE TO

Contact us for more information.

Email: au-Washington@africa-union.org

The “Grand Africa Tour” makes Africa the preferred destination for tourism. Tourism has the potential to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and create jobs. This sector also has the capacity to contribute significantly to the agenda for social inclusion, as cultural endowments and natural assets can be leveraged to create opportunities for local communities.

One of the focuses of the African Union’s transformative Agenda 2063 is the promotion of tourism as an instrument for economic growth. This will consequently create jobs, particularly for the youth; connect the different sub regions; and showcase Africa’s natural wonders, exotic wildlife and plants, ancient cultures, historic relics, and rich cuisine.

202.342.1100

30TH AU SUMMIT Towards a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 22–29, 2018 I N V E S T I N A F R I C A 2 0 1 8 : A F R I C A D AY E D I T I O N

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Th e Af r ican U ni on

30th Ordinary Session of the ­Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union Heads of states of more than 40 African nations and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the 30th AU summit, under the theme “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.”

The leaders discussed political and security matters affecting African countries and reforming the 54-year-old continental body.

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HISTORY OF THE AFRICAN UNION (AU) From the Organization of African Unity to the African Union

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n May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the thirty-two African states that had achieved independence at that time agreed to establish the Organization of African Unity (OAU). An additional twenty-one members joined gradually, reaching a total of fifty-three by the time of the AU’s creation in 2002.

The OAU’s main objectives, as set out in the OAU Charter, were to promote the unity and solidarity of African states; coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa; safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states; rid the continent of colonization and apartheid; promote international cooperation within the United Nations framework; and harmonize members’ political, diplomatic, economic, educational, cultural, health, welfare, scientific, technical, and defense policies.

Transition to the African Union Through the 1990s, leaders debated the need to amend the OAU’s structures to reflect the challenges of a changing world. In 1999, the OAU heads of state and government issued the Sirte Declaration, which called for the establishment of a new African Union. The vision for the Union was to build on the OAU’s work by establishing a body that could accelerate the process of integration in Africa, support the empowerment of African states in the global economy, and address the multifaceted social, economic, and political problems facing the continent. In total, four summits were held in the lead-up to the official launching of the African Union: 1. Sirte Summit in Libya (1999), which adopted the Sirte Declaration calling

for the establishment of the AU 2. Lomé Summit in Togo (2000), which adopted the AU Constitutive Act 3. Lusaka Summit in Zambia (2001), which drew the road map for implementation of the AU 4. Durban Summit in South Africa (2002), which launched the AU and convened its first Assembly of Heads of State and Government A significant number of OAU structures were carried forward into the AU. Similarly, many of the OAU’s core commitments, decisions, and strategy frameworks continue to frame AU policies. However, while the footprint of the OAU is still strong, the AU Constitutive Act and protocols established a significant number of new structures, both at the level of major organs and through a range of new technical and subsidiary committees. Many of these have evolved since 2002, and some are still under development.

African Heads of State at the Formation of the OAU - May 1963 | Photo: OOPAU I N V E S T I N A F R I C A 2 0 1 8 : A F R I C A D AY E D I T I O N

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Th e Af r ican U ni on

African Union Flag

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he current flag of the African Union was adopted at its fourteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which took place in Addis Ababa on January 31, 2010. It was designed by Ethiopian-born graphic designer Yadesa Bojia.

During the eighth African Union Summit, which took place in Addis Ababa on January 29 and 30, 2007, the heads of state and government decided to launch a competition for the selection of a new flag for the Union.

T

he African Union is a continental union consisting of all fiftyfive countries on the African continent, extending slightly into Asia via the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It was established on May 26, 2001, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and launched on July 9, 2002, in South Africa, with the aim of replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The most important decisions of the AU are made by the Assembly of the African Union, a semiannual meeting of the heads of state and government of its member states.

The AU’s secretariat, the African Union Commission, is based in Addis Ababa.

Vision of the African Union The vision of the AU is that of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”

This vision of a new, forwardlooking, dynamic, and integrated Africa will be fully realized through relentless struggle on several fronts and as a long-term endeavor. The AU has shifted focus from supporting

They prescribed a green background for the flag symbolizing hope of Africa and stars to represent member states.

Pursuant to this decision, the Muammar Gaddafi– led African Union Commission (AUC) organized a competition for the selection of a new flag for the African Union. The AUC received a total of 106 entries proposed by citizens of nineteen African countries and two from the Diaspora. The proposals were then examined by a panel of experts put in place by the AUC and selected from the five African regions for short listing according to the main directions

liberation movements in the erstwhile African territories under colonialism and apartheid, as envisaged by the OAU since 1963 and the Constitutive Act, to an organization spear-heading Africa’s development and integration.

Mission and Values of the African Union Commission The mission of the Commission is to become “an efficient and valueadding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities, and African citizens.”

Executive Council Commissioners Eight commissioners are elected by the AU executive council and appointed by the Assembly. The incumbent commissioners are as follows: Commissioner for Peace and Security Smail Chergui, Algeria (Reelected January 2017)

given by the heads of state and government.

The final flag that emerged contains a green background symbolizing the hope of Africa and fifty-three gold stars to represent the member states. The AU now has two new members: South Sudan became the fifty-fourth member state on July 27, 2011, and Morocco rejoined in January 2017, bringing the total to fifty-five.

Commissioner for Political Affairs H.E. Cessouma Minata Samate, Burkina Faso (Elected January 2017) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy H.E. Amani Abou-Zeid, Egypt (Elected January 2017) Commissioner for Social Affairs H.E. Amira El Fadil, Sudan (Elected January 2017) Commissioner for Trade and Industry H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Zambia (Elected January 2017) Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture H.E. Sacko Josefa Leonel Correa, Angola (Elected January 2017) Commissioner for Human Resources, Science, and Technology H.E. Agbor Sarah Mbi Enow, Anyang, Cameroon (Elected July 2017) Commissioner for Economic Affairs H.E. Victor Harrison, Madagascar (Elected July 2017)

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The A frica n U n i o n

Th e Af r ican U ni on

WHAT IS AGENDA 2063?

It is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50Â years. It builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development.

Some of the past and current initiatives it builds on include: the Lagos Plan of Action, The Abuja Treaty, The Minimum Integration Programme, the Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA), the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), The New partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Regional Plans and Programmes, and National Plans. It is also built on national, regional, and continental best practices in its formulation.

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The A frica n U n i o n

The Call to Invest in Africa There are about 50 million African Diaspora in North America, 100 million in the Caribbean, and an estimated additional 200 million in Central and South America, totaling roughly 350 million children of “one Mother Africa.”

The African Diaspora formally and informally contribute over $100 billion to the continent annually. If 10 million Africans in the Diaspora contribute $10 a month towards Africa’s development projects, that will constitute $1.2 billion in funds that can be sourced to build five Diaspora Villages (Centers of Excellence), one in each Region of the Continent. These Diaspora Villages will be growth points which will spark development throughout each region. Africa is a continent rich with every imaginable natural resource such that the world has ever known. A critical component that is missing is the infusion of Africa’s children endowed with all the expertise necessary to move Africa to its rightful place on the global stage.

This is the time for Africa’s children to take ownership and responsibility for the Continent’s prosperous future.

—H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao AU Permanent Representative to the United States

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Inve st i n Afri ca

Africa’s Stock Exchanges Lead World Exchanges

By Tom Minney African Capital Markets News

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espite a great year on the main US markets in 2017, many African stock exchanges offered USD investors a higher return. Biggest gain in USD was the Malawi Stock Exchange index, which climbed by 56.0%. It was among 6 African exchanges that outperformed the techheavy Nasdaq, which scored a strong 28.2% gain in 2017. Other leading African stock exchange

indices included Ghana, up 43.8%, Uganda up 30.7%, Mauritius 29.9% and South Africa JSE All Share up 29.7%. The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Industrial Index climbed 124.2%. However, most analysts rebase the market using the Old Mutual Implied Rate (OMIR), comparing the price of Old Mutual shares listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange with the same shares on the London Stock

Exchange to act as an inflation adjustor, since local dollar values do not reflect international dollar values. On the OMIR basis, the ZSE still gained a creditable 28.5%.

Other leading African markets such as Nigeria (Main Board index up 25.4%, but still to gain its previous highs of April 2014 and 2008) and Egypt’s EGX 30 (up 24.1%) also delighted investors.

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AU AFRICAN DIASPORA CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

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ccording to the World Bank, remittances to subSaharan Africa by African immigrants were estimated at more than $35 billion in 2015. Also, African immigrant populations to the United States reportedly have the highest education attainment level in the United States per the U.S. Bureau of Census. About 48.9 percent of all African immigrants hold a college degree. Together, the African Diaspora, in partnership with Africans residing on the continent, constitute a significant economic and human capital that can support the development and transformation of Africa.

If organized, the African Diaspora can be an important engine for positive transformation of Africa. The African Union (AU) recognizes that true sustainable change in Africa must include significant participation of its Diaspora. The AU has long recognized the importance and active role the African Diaspora can play to address major issues around growth of the continent and is moving even more swiftly to strengthen and solidify this relationship.

A key mandate of the African Union Mission to the United States is the establishment of five Healthcare Centers of Excellence in the five Regions of Africa under the auspices of the AU’s African Diaspora Health Initiative (AUADHI). It is with this conviction that the African Union Mission to the United States is developing, in cooperation with its Diaspora, five African Diaspora villages in the five African regions. The directive will include the engagement of the African Diaspora on multiple levels and across a variety of professional

backgrounds to harness their expertise in key areas pertinent to the development and sustainability of the Healthcare Centers of Excellence.

Rationale The project will be aligned with efforts made by the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and member states to domesticate the AU’s Agenda 2063, and to implement the thirteen flagship projects of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan 2014–2023. This includes the following: 1. Continental Financial and Monetary Institutions 2. Silencing the Guns by 2020 3. African Commodity Strategy 4. Annual African Economic Dialogue Platform/African Economic Platform 5. Great Inga Dam 6. Pan African Integrated HighSpeed Train Network 7. Single African Aviation Market 8. African Outer Space Strategy 9. Pan African E-Network on TeleEducation and Telemedicine (PAeN) 10. Establishment of the Virtual University 11. Free Movement of Persons and the African Passport 12. Continental Free Trade Area 13. Great Museum of Africa Scope of the Project The project aims to address the following key issues: lack of capacity, brain drain, fake/expired drugs, overseas/foreign medical treatment, food insecurity, lack of infrastructure (including housing and energy), and lack of job opportunities.

Each Diaspora Village will include the following:  A tertiary care center of a firstclass, 1,000-bed hospital, a cardiac care center, and an ambulance service with a helicopter and training to address capacity building; this will provide first-class healthcare services for Africans so they can be treated on the continent;  Three five-star hotels to promote health tourism in Africa  A pharmaceutical plant to address the issue of fake and expired drugs  Business services such as banks, information communication technology (ICT), housing units for staff, real-estate projects, and other infrastructure designed to support the village  A large farm to respond to food security  A renewable energy power plant, using solar plants that will generate 500 megawatts in support of all other sectors in the village The African Diaspora should and must stand up and be counted.

“A $10 per month campaign” will be launched to mobilize funds among the African Diaspora for the establishment of the first Diaspora Village. This will represent a pivotal point in the contribution of the African Diaspora toward Africa’s prosperous future.

The Government of Zambia has given to the Diaspora 132 acres of land in Livingston, on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. The Africa Union Mission’s Office in the United States is working with the Diaspora to campaign for a $2 billion for this first Diaspora Village.

From African Union Representational Mission to the USA, Mandate and Core Functions; African Union Agenda 2063; First Ten-Year Implementation Plan 2014–2023 of the African Union Agenda 2063.

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WAKANDA ONE

Communities powered by Renewable Energy

Healthcare Center and Pharmaceutical M ­ anufacturing Plant

Luxurious Five-star Hotels, Game Lodges & Chalets

Culture and Entertainment Center

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IThe nvesAtfrica in Anf rU i cnai o n

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Inve st i n Afri ca

AfCFTA - African Continental Free Trade Area Background The 18th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2012, adopted a decision to establish a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) by an indicative date of 2017. The Summit also endorsed the Action Plan on Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (BIAT) which identifies seven clusters: trade policy, trade facilitation, productive capacity, trade related infrastructure, trade finance, trade information, and factor market integration.

The CFTA will bring together fifty-four African countries with a combined population of more than one billion people and a combined gross domestic product of more than US $3.4 trillion

Objectives of the CFTA  Create

a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Continental Customs Union and the African customs union.  Expand intra African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization and facilitation regimes and instruments across RECs and across Africa in general.  Resolve the challenges of multiple and overlapping memberships and expedite the regional and continental integration processes.  Enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploiting opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better reallocation of resources.

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INVESTMENT

SECTORS

The A frica Agenda 2 0n6 3U n an i odn t h e D i a sp o r a

AGENDA 2063 and the DIASPORA AHMED EL-BASHEER A. EL-MADANI Director, Citizens and Diaspora Directorate During the first Global African Diaspora Summit in South Africa in May 2012, the heads of state and government of the African Union issued the Global Diaspora Declaration of 2012.

Through CIDO, we:  Facilitate the exchange of information and experience.  Establish mechanisms to harmonize national Diaspora policymaking with regional and continental frameworks to reduce duplication, optimize limited resources, and maximize impact.  Develop a Diaspora engagement map of AU member states to present a unified snapshot of the various Diaspora engagement policies, programs, projects, and partnerships in place in all AU member states as well as at the regional and continental levels.  Identify the capacity development needs of the newly formed Diaspora-oriented units, directorates, and departments set up by the governments of AU member states.  Develop workable proposals regarding the generation of new knowledge to improve evidence-based Diaspora engagement policy in critical sectors such as Diaspora investment and entrepreneurship, and sectors badly affected by the flight of skilled personnel from the continent, particularly in the fields of health and education.  Share case studies of proven outreach strategies.

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Diaspora engagement is a strategic priority for the African Union.

Ag e n d a 2 0 6 3 an d t h e D i aspora

Maryland Celebrates African Diaspora In 2017, the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs created Celebrate Africa, a Pan-African celebration of Africa, Africans, and peoples of African descent.

The Commission was established on May 19, 2009, by an executive order to effectively address the concerns of the African Diaspora in Maryland. It serves as an advisory board to the governor and agencies within the executive department on matters relating to Maryland’s African immigrant population, such as economic, workforce,

“According to the latest U.S. Census, there are over 120,000 African-born Americans living in Maryland, and African immigrant communities are among the fastest-growing in the state. Maryland is enriched by the diversity of its residents, and we are committed to further promoting acceptance, understanding, and inclusion of our wealth of culture.

On behalf of Governor Larry Hogan, Congratulations on this occasion.”

—Honorable Boyd K. Rutherford, Lt. Governor, State of Maryland

and business development. Diversity continues to be one of Maryland’s greatest strengths. The governor and government agencies rely on the Commission to help expand opportunities for the growing African Diaspora population. Commissioners are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms. The current commission has four subcommittees that reflect the emphasis of its work: Culture/Religion; Business; Health/ Outreach; and Education.

“Vision 2063 is the Africa Union’s strategic framework for the socioeconomic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. It builds on, and seeks to accelerate the implementation of past and existing continental initiatives for growth and sustainable development. That vision cannot be successful without the Diaspora, Africa’s sixth region and one of the most resourceful Diaspora communities in the world.”

“The annual recognition of African heritage in September is one way we can share and engage in Africa’s unique traditions, customs, food, music, arts, and language, as well as acknowledge the significant accomplishments and contributions that Africa brings to Maryland and our country.”

—John C. Wobensmith, Secretary of State, Maryland

—H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, AU Permanent Representative to the U.S.

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MOBILIZING THE DIASPORA CELEBRATE AFRICA 2017 Silver Spring, Maryland

Maryland Governor’s African Affairs Commissioners at Celebrate Africa Gala I N V E S T I N A F R I C A 2 0 1 8 : A F R I C A D AY E D I T I O N

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Ag e n d a 2 0 6 3 an d t h e D i aspora

I did not come to ask you to return to Africa, no, I only came to ask you to “look back” to Africa where you came from, and I don’t think that is asking too much of you.

—H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, AU Permanent Representative to the United States Photo by George Bright, Afrikan Post I N V E S T I N A F R I C A 2 0 1 8 : A F R I C A D AY E D I T I O N

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PAN AFRICAN DIASPORA WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (PADWA)

Photo by African Post, George Bright

Dr. Remi Duyile

Chairwoman, PADWA Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association

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ADWA’s uniqueness compared to other Diaspora organizations is the massive pool of talented and gifted women working together for a common goal. Our women are highly elated about the waves of great changes. They are working together to ensure we spread the love and learn how to collaborate with one another for accelerated business and development.

We have several upcoming projects, including monthly personal and business development seminars, networking activities, strategy sessions, and business-to-business matchmaking.

We also have an upcoming center of excellence for global health in Zambia. PADWA is open to all women of African descent.

We invite all to join us to this movement.

 Create and maintain an online store to promote Africa and Diaspora-made products and services

Goals and Objectives

 Create and maintain a Diaspora registry

 Create and maintain strategic partnerships that encourage exchange between Africa and the Diaspora

 Launch and maintain a $10.00 per month campaign: “Give us $10.00, your name, and we will make magic”

 Promote the health and wellbeing of the African Diaspora community

 Minimize the cultural barriers that hinder African Diaspora personal development and progress

 Link African women entrepreneurs in the Diaspora

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with women entrepreneurs on the continent

Ag e n d a 2 0 6 3 an d t h e D i aspora

Name

Board Role

Hon. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao

Adviser

Dr. Remi Duyile

Chair, PADWA Sector Lead, Monetary & Financial Affairs; Trade, Industry and Investment

Patience Patience Emeni Emeni

Vice Vice Chair, Chair, PADWA PADWA

Thabo Thabo Lenneiye Lenneiye

Secretary, Secretary, PADWA PADWA Sector Sector Lead, Lead, Infrastructure Infrastructure

Harriet Harriet Shangarai Shangarai

Coordinator, Coordinator, PADWA PADWA

Anne Anne Muindi-Shemenski Muindi-Shemenski Dr. Remi Dr. Remi Cole Cole

Strategist, Strategist, PADWA PADWA Sector Lead, Sector Lead, Agriculture Agriculture

Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi Catherine Gacheru Catherine Gacheru Dr. Jamechia Hoyle Dr. Jamechia Hoyle Eurica Huggins-Axum Eurica Huggins-Axum Angelique Walker-Smith Angelique Walker-Smith Tinu Akinshola Tinu Akinshola Nnenna Alale Nnenna Alale Brannaa Neya Brannaa Neya Alicia Hamilton Alicia Hamilton Kimberly Fogg Kimberly Fogg Jeannine Scott Jeannine Scott Rehema Nkisi Rehema Nkisi Dr. Victoria Ehiebe

Sector Lead, Health Sector Lead, Health Sector Co-Lead, Health Sector Co-Lead, Health Sector Lead, Education & Human Development Sector Lead, Education & Human Development Sector Lead, Culture Sector Lead, Culture Sector Lead, Faith-Based Sector Lead, Faith-Based Sector Lead, Legal, Policy, Ethics & Governance Sector Lead, Legal, Policy, Ethics & Governance Sector Lead, Social Affairs Sector Lead, Social Affairs Sector Co-Lead, Communications & Public Relations Sector Co-Lead, Communications & Public Relations Sector Co-Lead, Communications & Public Relations Sector Co-Lead, Communications & Public Relations Sector Lead, Science & Technology Sector Lead, Science & Technology Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association (PADWA)

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Agenda 2 0 6 3 a n d t h e D i a sp o r a

African-Born U.S. Population: 1970 to Present

D

2008–2012 is a brief based on uring the last forty American Community Survey years, the foreign-born statistics and shows that the population from Africa African foreign-born population has grown rapidly in the United accounts for 4 percent of the States, increasing from about total U.S. foreign-born population.

80,000 in 1970 to about 1.6 million in the period from 2008 to No African country makes up the majority of these immigrants, but 2012, according to a U.S. Census four countries—Nigeria, Ethiopia, Bureau brief. The population has Egypt, and Ghana—make roughly doubled each up 41 percent of the decade since 1970, Africans African-born total. with the largest account for The foreignincrease happening born population from 2000 to 2012. of U.S. from Africa had The Foreignforeign-born a higher level Born Population population of educational from Africa:

4%

“The brief—the Census Bureau’s first focusing on the African foreign-born population—highlights the size, growth, geographic distribution and educational attainment of this group,” said Christine Gambino of the Census Bureau’s ForeignBorn Population Branch. “We have found that the African-born population tends to be more educated and accounts for a relatively large proportion of the foreignborn population in some nontraditional immigrant gateway states such as Minnesota and the Dakotas.”

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attainment than the overall foreign-born population: 41 percent of African-born had a bachelor’s degree or higher compared with 28 percent overall.

Within the foreign-born population from Africa, educational attainment varied by place of birth. For example, 40 percent of the Somali-born population had less than a high school education, while 64 percent of Egyptianborn individuals had a bachelor’s degree or higher.

This brief is one of several focusing on the foreign-born population from world regions of birth. Previous reports include The Foreign Born from Asia: 2011 and The Foreign Born from Latin America and the Caribbean: 2010.

In addition, supplemental tables are now available for the Africanborn population, segregated by metropolitan statistical area.

“Acquiring a college or other advanced degree was a major factor for many people of Nigerian ancestry coming to the United States, so it is not surprising that twice as many had a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to all people and the other selected ancestry groups,” said Dr. Stella Ogunwole, a demographer in the Population Division.

A fric a – U S E n g a g e m e n t

President Trump Reaffirms His Commitment to Africa

I offer my deepest compliments as you gather in Addis Ababa for the 30th African Union Summit. I salute the leadership of Chairperson Moussa Faki in working to transform the Union into an increasingly effective institution to advance economic prosperity, strengthen peace and security, and deliver positive outcomes for Africa and the broader international community. I congratulate His Excellency Paul Kagame on his accession as Chairman of the Assembly, and thank His Excellency Alpha Condé for his service.

The United States profoundly respects the partnerships and values we share with the African Union, member states, and citizens across the continent. I want to underscore that the United States deeply respects the people of Africa, and my commitment to strong and respectful relationships with African states as sovereign nations is firm. Our soldiers are fighting side by side to defeat terrorists and build secure communities. We are working together to increase free, fair, and reciprocal trade between the United States and African countries, and partnering to improve transportation security and safeguard legal immigration.

The challenges and opportunities this summit will address—advancing trade and development, resolving armed conflicts, and combating corruption, among many others—are critical to the future of the African continent, and you can rely upon America’s partnership and support for the African Union’s leadership on these issues.

In the coming year, I look forward to building on relationships established during the African Leaders’ Lunch during the United Nations General Assembly, the Africa Ministerial in Washington, and engagements of Ambassador Nikki Haley, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, and my Ambassadors throughout the continent. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Africa for an extended visit in March, and I look forward to welcoming many of you to the White House.

Please accept my greetings, highest regards, and best wishes for a successful Summit.

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BILATERAL MEETINGS

O

n January 26, 2018, in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald Trump met with newly elected African Union Chairman and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, calling him a “friend”. The leaders met at the World Economic

Forum. Kagame says he and Trump had “good discussions” on economic and trade issues, and the African Union is “looking forward to working with the United States.”

Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead

President Donald J. Trump shakes hands with Rwandan President Paul Kagame during their bilateral meeting at the World Economic Forum Conference Center, Friday, January 26, 2018, in Davos, Switzerland.

Presidents Trump and Buhari during a White House Press Conference April 30, 2018 Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

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PRESIDENT TRUMP MEETS AFRICAN LEADERS

President Trump addressed the leaders of Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, South Africa, and President Condé, who ­represented the African Union.

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Af r ica–US E n gagement

President Donald Trump’s meeting with African leaders at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel during the 72nd United Nations General Assembly on September 20, 2017.

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FIFTH ANNUAL AU–US HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE

Strengthening Ties Between the US and Africa NOVEMBER 16, 2017 Thank you African Bureau, US Department of State, for your cooperation, support, and strong partnership.

—H.E. Chihombori-Quao

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Af r ica–US E n gagement

State Department Photo

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The A fricAafrica – U S nE nUgnai g oe nment

Secretary Tillerson in Africa  Secretary Tillerson with Prime Minister Desalegn Addis Ababa, March 8.

Secretary Tillerson with  AU Chairman Faki Addis Ababa, March 8.

 Secretary Tillerson with President ­Kenyatta Nairobi, March 9

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Af r ica–US E n gagement

 Secretary

Tillerson with President Guelleh Djibouti, March 10

Secretary Tillerson with  President Debby N’Djamena Chad, March 10

 Secretary Tillerson with President Buhari Abuja, March 12

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The A fricAafrica – U S nE nUgnai g oe nment

COMMENTARY ON AGOA & TRADE The African diaspora in the United States can play an important role in enhancing the utilization of AGOA. Trade and migrations theory has it that migration and therefore diaspora can have a big impact on trade and investment relations between the home and host countries.

H.E. DR. ARIKANA CHIHOMBORI-QUAO AU Permanent Representative to the United States

I applaud the signing of the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Millennium Challenge Act (MCA) Modernization Act into law—April 24, 2018. This will enable eligible countries with Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts to simultaneously enter one additional compact if the country is making considerable and demonstrable progress in implementing the terms of the existing Compact.

REPRESENTATIVE KAREN BASS Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa

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Af r ica–US E n gagement

Over the next five years, 19 subSaharan African countries are expected to achieve average growth rates of 5 percent or higher. And over the last five years combined, Ethiopia’s growth rate has been second highest in the world. Africa is moving steadily on a trajectory of economic growth and increasing self-reliance—a vision this administration supports. And one way the Trump Administration plans to support Africa’s vision is, of course, ensuring that it aligns with its own.

HONORABLE WILBUR ROSS US Secretary of Commerce

For effective utilization of AGOA for accelerated inclusive growth and economic development, there is the need for African Union Member States and private sector operators to work together as stakeholders and strategic partners to unpack and address the complexities of AGOA, whilst ensuring that the benefits of AGOA lead to mutual gains for all state parties, regardless of their peculiarities and level of development.

HONORABLE ALAN KYEREMATEN Minister for Trade and Industry, Ghana

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NEW IN WASHINGTON

His Excellency Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah (Republic of Ghana)

Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui (Kingdom of Morocco)

His Excellency Frédéric Edem Hegbe (Republic of Togo)

His Excellency Kassa Tekleberhan Gebrehiwot (Republic of Ethiopia)

His Excellency Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, the nineteenth ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States of America, presented his credentials to President Donald John Trump on July 21, 2017. This is his second ambassadorial appointment after having served as ambassador of Ghana to Japan with concurrent accreditation to Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and Papua New Guinea from 2001 to 2008.

Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui is Morocco’s first female ambassador to the United States. After recently completing her tenure as ambassador to the United Kingdom, King Mohammed VI appointed her to represent Morocco in Washington. She was sworn in on October 13, 2016, and presented her credentials to President Donald Trump on April 24, 2017.

His Excellency Dawda Docka Fadera is a Gambian civil servant and the immediate past secretary general and head of the Gambian Civil Service. He worked in the Personnel Management Office (PMO), part of the office of the president, for the bulk of his civil service career, rising to become permanent secretary.

Frédéric Edem Hegbe was appointed on January 19, 2017, by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé. He presented his credentials to President Donald Trump on April 24, 2017, and used the occasion to express his country’s desire to continue working with the U.S. Ambassador Hegbe is not new to Washington; he lived and worked in Washington for about two decades before returning home for this appointment.

His Excellency Kassa Tekleberhan Gebrehiwot served his government for more than thirty-five years in various capacities. Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, he served as Minister of Federal Affairs and Pastoral Areas Development. He is also a former Speaker of the House of Federation. He presented his letters of credence to President Trump on January 24, 2018.

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His Excellency Dawda D. Fadera (Republic of the Gambia)

His Excellency Mamadou Haidara Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Wash in g ton N ews

His Excellency Kerfalla Yansané is the 21st ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the United States. He presented his letters of credence to President Trump on January 24, 2018. Ambassador Yansané’s professional background is international finance. He is a former governor of the Central Bank of Guinea, under the Second Republic, and two-time former Finance Minister, first in the transitional government of Prime Minister Jean Marie Doré and then under President Alpha Condé.

bia)

His Excellency Kerfalla Yansané (Republic of Guinea)

On October 16, 2016, King Mswati III appointed Njabuliso Gwebu as Swaziland’s ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Gwebu presented her credentials to President Donald Trump on April 24, 2017. Swaziland in southern Africa is slightly larger than Connecticut. It is the last absolute monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Among other previous positions held, Ambassador Gwebu was also permanent delegate to the UN Offices in Geneva, Switzerland, from March 2014 to 2016.

Her Excellency Njabuliso Busisiwe Sikhulile Gwebu (Kingdom of Swaziland)

His Excellency Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula is the sixteenth ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America since November 30, 2017. He is also concurrently accredited on a nonresidential basis to Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Belize, Haiti, Guatemala, and Honduras. Before taking his appointment, Ambassador Simbyakula served as a member of parliament (2011–2016), deputy minister of justice, and later cabinet minister for Home Affairs. In 2015, President Edgar Lungu appointed him minister of justice, a position he held until 2016.

His Excellency Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula (Republic of Zambia)

To learn about these new ambassadors get the June edition.

His Excellency Eric Andriamihajamananirina Robson Republic of Madagascar

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AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC CORPS

The African Ambassadors’ Group (AAG) to the United States is a collaborative coalition of African heads of missions in Washington, DC. The current dean is H.E. Serge Mombouli, ambassador of the Republic of Congo.

He is also the dean of the Central Africa region. Regional deans provide leadership on regional matters for the other diplomatic missions in Washington.

“

Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

through Investment in Youth” was the theme of Africa Day 2017. The African continent is entering a window of opportunity where the workforce is growing, we are investing in our girls and women who make up half the African labor force.

— H.E. Serge Mombouli

REGIONAL DEANS

H.E. MADJID BOUGERRA Algeria (Northern)

H.E. PROF ELIACHIM SEBATANE Lesotho (Southern)

H.E. BOCKARI KORTU ­STEVENS Sierra Leone (Western)

H.E. ROBINSON NJERU GITHAE Kenya (Eastern)

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Wa s hing t o n N ew s

AFRICAN EMBASSIES/ AMBASSADORS DIRECTORY ALGERIA 2118 Kalorama Rd NW Washington, DC 20008 202-265-2800 Ambassador Madjid Bouguerra

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 2704 Ontario Rd NW Washington, DC 20009 202-483-7800 Chargé Lydie Magba

ANGOLA 2100 16th St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-785-1156 Ambassador Agostinho Tavares da Silva Neto

CHAD 2401 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-652-1312 Chargé Tchinjombe Patchanne Papouri

BENIN 2124 Kalorama Rd NW Washington, DC 20008 202-232-6656 Ambassador Hector Posset

COMOROS 866 United Nations Plaza New York NY 10017 212-750-1637 Ambassador Mohamed Soilih Mohamed Soilih

BOTSWANA 1531 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 244-4990 Ambassador David John Newman

CONGO (REPUBLIC OF) 1720 16th St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-726-5500 Ambassador Serge Mombouli

BURKINA FASO 2340 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-332-5577 Ambassador Seydou Kabore

COTE D’IVOIRE 2424 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-797-0300 Ambassador Haïdara Mamadou

BURUNDI 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, #408 Washington, DC 20007 202-342-2574 Chargé d’affaires Mr Benjamin Manirakiza

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO 1100 Connecticut Ave NW, #725 Washington, DC 20036 202-234-7690 Ambassador François Nkuna Balumuene

CAMEROON 3007 Tilden St NW Washington, DC 20008 202-265-8790 Ambassador Étoundi Essomba

DJIBOUTI 1156 15th St NW, #515 Washington, DC 20005 202-331-0270 Ambassador Siad Mohamed Doualeh

CAPE VERDE 3415 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20007 202-965-6820 Ambassador Carlos Wahnon Veiga

EGYPT 3521 International Ct NW Washington, DC 20008 202 895 5400 Ambassador Yasser Reda

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EQUATORIAL GUINEA 2020 16th St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-518-5700 Ambassador Miguel Ntutumu Evuna Andeme ERITREA 1708 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009 202-319-1991 Chargé Berhane Solomon ETHIOPIA 3506 International Dr NW Washington, DC 20008 202-364-1200 Ambassador Kassa Tekleberhan Gebrehiwot GABON 2034 20th St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-797-1000 Ambassador Michael Moussa-Adamo GAMBIA 5630 16th St NW Washington, DC 20011 202-785-1379 Ambassador Dawda D. Fadera GHANA 3512 International Dr NW Washington, DC 20008 202-686-4520 Ambassador Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah GUINEA 2112 Leroy Pl NW Washington, DC 20008 202-986-4300 Ambassador Kerfalla Yansane (Jan) KENYA 2249 R St NW Washington, DC 20008 202-387-6101 Ambassador Robinson Njeru Githae

Wash in g ton N ews

LESOTHO 2511 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-797-5533 Ambassador Prof. Eliachim Molapi Sebatane

MOZAMBIQUE 1525 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20036 202-293-7146 Ambassador Carlos Dos Santos

SOUTH AFRICA 3051 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-232-4400 Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu

NAMIBIA 1605 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009 202-986-0540 Chargé Helena Gray

SOUTH SUDAN 1015 31st St NW, #300 Washington, DC 20007 202-293-7940 Ambassador Garang Diing

LIBYA 1460 Dahlia St NW Washington, DC 20012 202-944-9601 Ambassador Wafa Bughaighis

NIGER 2204 R St NW Washington, DC 20008 202-483-4224 Ambassador Professor Hassana Alidou

SUDAN 2210 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-338-8565 Ambassador Maowia Osman Khalid Mohammed

MADAGASCAR 2374 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-265-5525 Ambassador Eric Andriamihajamananirina Robson

NIGERIA 3519 International Ct NW Washington, DC 20008 202-516-4277 Ambassador Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor

SWAZILAND 1712 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009 202-234-5002 Ambassador Njabuliso Gwebu

MALAWI 2408 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-721-0270 Ambassador Edward Yakobe Sawerengera

RWANDA 1875 Connecticut Ave NW, #540 Washington, DC 20009 202-232-2882 Ambassador Professor Mathilde Mukantabana

MALI 2130 R St NW Washington, DC 20008 202-332-2249 Chargé Ibrahim Biridigo

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE 1211 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20036

TOGO 2208 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 202-234-4212 Ambassador Frédéric Hegbe

SENEGAL 2215 M St NW Washington, DC 20037 202-234-0540 Ambassador Babacar Diagne

TUNISIA 1515 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20005 202-862-1850 Ambassador Fayçal Gouiaa

SEYCHELLES 685 3rd Avenue, Ste 1107 New York, NY 10017 212-972-1785 Ambassador Ronald Jumeau

UGANDA 5911 16th St NW Washington, DC 20011 202-726-7100 Ambassador Mull Sebujja Katende

SIERRA LEONE 1701 19th St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-939-9261 Ambassador Bockari K Stevens

ZAMBIA 2200 R St NW Washington, DC 20008 202-234-4111 Ambassador Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula

SOMALIA 1705 Desales St NW Washington, DC 20036 202-296-0570 Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad

ZIMBABWE 1608 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009 202-332-7100 Ambassador Ammon. M. Mutembwa

LIBERIA 5201 16th St NW Washington, DC 20011 202-723-0437 Ambassador Lois Cheche Brutus

MAURITANIA 2129 Leroy Pl NW Washington, DC 20008 202-232-5700 Ambassador Mohamedoun Daddah MAURITIUS 1709 N St NW Washington, DC 20036 202-244-1491 Ambassador S. Phokeer MOROCCO 1601 21st St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-462-7979 Ambassador Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala

TANZANIA 1232 22nd St NW Washington, DC 20037 202-939-6125 Ambassador Wilson Masilingi

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AU Mission, Washington, DC Staff

H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao Permanent Representative to the United States

Adewale Ogunsuyi

Gilles Makon

Administrative and Finance Officer

IT Assistant

Maureen Nkandu

Collins Rusingiza

Communications Consultant

Procurement Officer

Seraphine Manirambona

Golmame Tefera

Policy Officer

Security/Protocol

Miriam Menda

Siaka Togola

Administrative Officer

Intern

Josepha M. Musabyemariya

Amina Bukasa

Secretary

Intern

Frederick Nnoma-Addison

Managing Editor, Invest in Africa President & CEO, AMIP News

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Beryl Nnoma-Addison

Content Editor, Invest in Africa Vice President, AMIP News

Invest in Africa is distributed to African Heads of State, government ministers, and dignitaries from 55 AU member countries at all AU summits.

The publication is subsequently delivered throughout the African diaspora community within the United States, via African embassies in Washington, DC, to political, financial, and corporate leaders worldwide, as well as at leading continental and foreign direct investment conferences and seminars globally.

To advertise in this magazine contact AMIP News via phone, email, or regular mail.

+ 1 (202) 460 3912 (US) + 1 (202) 460 3906 (US)

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