U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced the commitment of $55 billion dollars to advance the priorities and support the implementation of Agenda 2063 in the next three years.
Agenda 2063 is the blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.
Biden announced this while holding a session on“ Partnering on Agenda 2063’’ with 50 African leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari attending the 3-day U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit in Washington D.C.
The U.S. leader said that the number represented a comprehensive commitment from the United States to invest in Africas people, Africas infrastructure, Africa agriculture, Africa health system, Africa security, and more.
“In our view, our new shared vision statement lays out a forward-looking foundation for the 21st century partnership between Africa and the United States.
“We want to work with you on these issues that matter most to our peoples lives and were looking to increase our collaboration in every area, from rural communities to urban centers, to cyber space to outer space.
“In addition to our investments, were also committed to helping African countries assess the financing you need — the financing you need to build sustainable and inclusive economies.
“We are leading a global effort to pursue equitable arrangements for global creditors to provide debt relief so nations can prioritize their people, not back-breaking debt payments,’’ he said.
Biden told the leaders that he would ask the Congress for the authority to lend $21 billion to the International Monetary Fund to provide access to necessary financing for low- and middle-income countries.
“It will help Africas recovery efforts and support projects that build resilience against future crises,’’ he said.
Biden also pledged to support democracy in Africa, respect for the rule of law, commitment to human rights, responsible government — all are part of our DNA.
“That doesn’t mean we always get everything right. We surely don’t and the work of democracy is never finished or never guaranteed.
“It’s about consistent and constant self-improvement. But that is why democracy is the best tool we have to address the wide range of challenges we all face, and that belief is shared by Africans and Americans alike.
“From South Africas world-changing triumph over apartheid to Nigerias Not Too Young To Run movement empowering a new generation of change-makers, to the record voter turnout in Zambia, where young people demanded a better future.
“We see over and over again that our greatest power is our people,’’ he said.
The U.S. leader, however, highlighted new commitments in countering democratic backsliding through new African Democratic and Political Transition initiative.
Collaborating closely with African governments, regional institutions, and civil society, he said his administration would work with the United States Congress to invest $75 million dollars on good governance.
Biden said that it would invest $75 million dollars on the region to strengthen transparent, accountable governance; facilities — facilitate voter registration; support constitutional reform; and more.
“Well also work to support and strengthen the security benefits that flow from good governance, including with a new 21st Century Partnership for African Security.
“Through this three-year, 100-billion-dollar — 100-million-dollar pilot program, the Department of Defense will work with our African partners to boost reforms that build their security capacity.
“Now, as every leader here understands, the real measure of success is not in announcements, but its in the follow-through.’’
Biden told the leaders that he had appointed Ambassador Johnnie Carson to oversee to oversee implementation of the outcome of the meeting.
The started on Tuesday ends on Thursday with high level session on promoting food security and food system resilience.
