Evelyn Dan Epelle – Washington
The U.S Africa Leaders’ Summit kicked off yesterday in Washington DC and welcomed invited leaders from African countries in the US capital Washington DC for 3 days of networking and policy dialogue.
Some of the top highlights from Day 1 include:
* The African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum
* The Civil Society Forum
* The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Trade Ministerial
* The U.S. Africa Space Forum
* Peace, Security, and Governance Forum
* Partnering for Sustainable Health Cooperation
* Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and a Just Energy Transition
Only last month, the All Africa Conference of Churches hosted the All Africa Youth Congress in Kasoa, Ghana. This event mirrors the summit but notably welcomed over 1000 youths from 43 African countries to deeply reflect and broadly converse on pertinent issues for Africa’s socio-economic and political transformations. “The goal is to initiate a continental youth campaign on African patriotism and to increase awareness of the tremendous potential and opportunities for young people in the continent” the organizers said in a communique following the event. Young africans will determine the future and direction in which the continent will grow and develop.
With the exception of some African countries like Seychelles, Carbo Verde and Botswana, corruption is pervasive across Africa. This has considerable negative impacts on development and socio-economic progress that leaves citizens helpless and frustrated. The US has pledged to partner to support African nations in the upcoming 2023 elections and securing democracy across the continent.
The US-Africa Leaders summit can be a leveling ground to discuss the much needed zero-tolerance policy for corruption and setting ethical standard in words and deeds that demonstrate positive personal values and a life long commitment to good governance.
