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By Christy Anyanwu
The United States of America has restated its commitment to the stability, development and prosperity of Nigeria through mutually beneficial engagements to boost healthcare, trade, energy sufficiency, gender equality, women’s rights, youth empowerment and climate adaptation, among others.
Delivering an address at the Africa Social Impact Summit 2023, with the theme “Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes,” recently in Lagos, US Consul-General, Will Stevens, said his country was committed to fostering peace and economic growth in Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.
Stevens noted that Africa was full of untapped potential, “from its people to its vibrant innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and vast natural resources.”
The envoy said: “Through increased trade and investment in sectors such as agriculture, technology, and infrastructure, we hope to create jobs, boost innovation, and elevate the living standards of millions of Africans.”
He highlighted empowerment programmes and initiatives such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by which the US fosters two-way trade relationships that empower African economies and communities.
“By providing duty-free access to US markets for eligible African nations, including Nigeria, AGOA has paved the way for enhanced market access and economic diversification. Since its enactment in 2000, AGOA has facilitated a staggering $1 trillion in total trade. This is not just a number, it’s a testament to the fact that AGOA has contributed to the growth of industries across the African continent.
“Through initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the U.S. government has invested over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 25 million lives.”
The US consul-general said his country was working with African governments and organisations to bolster healthcare infrastructure, advance maternal and child health and combat malaria, as well as other infectious diseases.
On education and human resource development, he said: “Last year, Nigeria joined the top 10 countries in the world in sending students to the USA. Many of these are graduate students who have finished a degree here in Nigeria. When these students complete their degrees, they come home with connections to research institutions in the USA, ties to investors, and connections to business partners. It sows the seeds of economic growth and is visible in nearly every industry, from government to tech to agriculture to manufacturing; US-educated and trained Nigerians are leading the economic growth that is powering the transformation of the economy.
“Stability is the bedrock upon which societies thrive and the United States is resolutely dedicated to promoting peace, democracy and security in Africa, recognising that sustainable development can only occur in an environment free from conflict and instability. Whether through peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism efforts, or capacity-building programmes for security forces, we are dedicated to forging partnerships that contribute to a safer continent. This includes our joint efforts to address the vulnerabilities of African nations to the devastating effects of climate change and strengthen the continent’s climate resilience.
“Following a recent visit to Nigeria by our top energy diplomacy official, we announced the formation of an Energy Security Dialogue with Nigeria to advance collaboration in our shared energy and climate goals. This dialogue will bring together the combined resources of the US government to engage with our Nigerian counterparts on issues including energy access, energy security, decarbonisation, clean energy supply chains, and methane emissions reduction.
“Home to Africa’s largest democracy, population, and economy, Nigeria will play a key role in the global energy transition. The United States is committed to Nigeria’s success in achieving its energy and climate goals and looks forward to hosting the first Energy Security Dialogue in the coming year.”
Stevens concluded by saying that the priorities of the US in Africa were not a one-sided endeavour, but a pledge to walk hand in hand with African nations towards a future of shared prosperity and mutual growth.
“As we look at the massive challenges that confront us all, we are fully committed to working together to find African solutions to global problems,” he added.
