Rex Tillerson’s pre-trip speech had five main topic which could be considered as the themes of U.S.-Africa relation: counterterrorism, democracy, governance, trade and investment.
ADDIS ABABA―As part of his five days-long visit to Africa, the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made his first visit to Ethiopia on Wednesday (March 7). Upon arrival Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and scores of high ranking Ethiopian government officials have accorded Mr. Tillerson a warm welcome.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Mr. Tillerson is expected to discuss with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh and other high officials on bilateral and regional issues of common interest. Ethiopia and the U.S. have been aggressively working on areas of mutual interests, including health, education and agriculture as well as cooperation on regional peace and security. Equally, investors from the U.S. are also making an input to Ethiopia’s encouraging investment schemes.
Before departing to Djibouti, Kenya, Nigeria and Chad, State Secretary Rex Tillerson is also scheduled to meet the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
U.S.-Africa Relations: A New Framework
A few hours before his trip to Africa, Rex Tillerson Tillerson gave his pre-trip speech at George Mason University in Virginia. During his speech, Mr. Tillerson said: “Our country’s security and economic prosperity are linked with Africa’s like never before. That will only intensify in the coming decades for the following reasons:
First: A major demographic shift. By the year 2030, Africa will represent about one quarter of the world’s workforce. And by the year 2050, the population of the continent is expected to double to more than 2.5 billion people – with 70 percent of them under the age of 30.
And second: Africa is experiencing significant economic growth. The World Bank estimates that six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world this year will be African.”
Rex Tillerson’s speech had five main topic which could be considered as the themes of U.S.-Africa relation: counterterrorism, democracy, governance, trade and investment. We have compiled some of the main parts of his speech. The full speech can be found by clicking here (the U.S. Department of State website).
Counterterrorism
“The United States has supported the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership to provide training and promote cooperation between military, law enforcement, and civil actors across North and West Africa. We have deployed a similar approach in East Africa, with the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism, or PREACT. Since 2016, the United States has contributed more than $140 million to help partners prevent terrorist safe havens and the recruitment through these partnerships.
The United States is grateful for the African Union’s leadership in a growing, multilateral role. The AU Mission in Somalia – or AMISOM – includes troops from five African countries, stabilizing areas under attack from al-Shabaab and permitting much needed aid to reach the Somali people. I look forward to meeting with AU Commission Chairperson Faki on my upcoming trip to explore more ways in which we can work together to counter terrorism on the continent.”
Democracy
“The United States will continue its work with African countries to strengthen their democratic institutions. Last month, the State Department requested $137 million from Congress to support democracy, human rights, and government programs to create more transparent, less corrupt institutions that value consensus building over conflict.
Democracy requires transitions of power through free and fair elections. It also needs a vibrant civil society and independent media to help inform citizens and keep them connected to their government.”
Governance
“We also keep good governance initiatives in mind when it comes to development. As Secretary of State, I am chairman of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, or MCC. Through this agency designed to reduce poverty, the United States is able to incentivize good governance – including greater transparency – by tying it to development assistance. And about 60 percent of MCC’s funding goes to Africa. Last November, we signed a $524 million compact with Cote d’Ivoire to improve its education and transportation sectors. This was only possible after the country had implemented policies to strengthen economic freedom, democratic principles, human rights, and to fight corruption. Spurring reforms before a dollar of U.S. taxpayer money is even spent is the MCC’s model.”
Trade
“AGOA has been the cornerstone of U.S. trade policy in Africa for almost two decades now. And with AGOA, we’ve seen a lot of progress. Total non-oil goods trade has more than doubled from $13 billion a year to almost $30 billion a year. In fact, last year, total U.S. trade climbed to $38.5 billion, up from $33 billion in 2016.
We’re encouraged by the actions of many of our African partners who are seeking ways to expand trade with the United States. On his trip to the United States last week, President Akufo-Addo of Ghana addressed the National Governors Association, the first African president to do so. He talked about his desire – his people’s desire – to transition from poverty to prosperity in a generation. The United States wants to help enable the public and private sectors in Africa and here at home to make that a reality.
Africa still has vast, undeveloped natural resources. Private sector expertise in the United States can facilitate the responsible development of those resources, helping bring more Africans out of poverty to share in the economic values of those resources. But significant transcontinental infrastructure is necessary to support the development, spur economic growth, and boost intra-regional trade on the continent.”
Legitimate investment
“The African Union estimates that Africa has lost hundreds of billions of dollars to corruption – hundreds of billions that was not invested in education, infrastructure, or security. Bribes and corruption keep people in poverty. They encourage inequality and they undercut the citizens’ faith in their own government. Legitimate investment stays away, and insecurity and instability grows, creating conditions ripe for terrorism and conflict. We strongly support the African Union’s summit’s highlighting and encouraging efforts on “Winning the Fight Against Corruption.” We hope this year’s theme is only the beginning of a more sustained, long-term focus on anti-corruption.”