The United States–Africa Leaders Summit 2022 was an international conference held in Washington, D.C., from December 13–15, 2022.[2][3] The summit was hosted by United States President Joe Biden, and attended by leaders from 49 African states, as well as the head of the African Union Commission.[3]
The event's overall goal was to rebuild and strengthen relations between the United States and African countries.[4][5] Specifically, the summit focused on issues relating to health, climate change, food security, conflicts, and cooperation in space.[6]
Background
The first United States–Africa Leaders Summit was held in 2014 by United States President Barack Obama.[2] In July 2022, Biden announced that he would hold a second summit.[4] Under the administration of his predecessor, Donald Trump, foreign policy emphasis was shifted away from Africa.[6] In addition, the influence of other powers, such as China, grew significantly on the continent during the years preceding the second summit.[2][5][6]
Schedule
Day 1
Vice President Harris at the African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum
Sub-forums on the summit topics were held on the first day.[7]
Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and a Just Energy Transition
Day 2
The foreign ministers dinner
The U.S.-Africa Business Forum was held on the second day, consisting of four sessions.[7]
Charting the Course: The Future of U.S.-Africa Trade & Investment Relations
Building a Sustainable Future: Partnerships to Finance African Infrastructure and the Energy Transition
Growing Agribusiness: Partnerships to Strengthen Food Security and Value Chain
Advancing Digital Connectivity: Partnerships to Enable Inclusive Growth Through Technology
After the forum, President Joe Biden delivered a keynote address, and joined leaders at a state dinner.[7]
Day 3
The working lunch at the Leaders SummitBlinken with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy AhmedPresident Joe Biden with Rwanda's President Paul KagamePresident Biden with African leadersBiden and Blinken at the Leaders Summit
The leaders sessions and a working lunch were held on the final day.[7]
Discussion Session 1: "An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law"
Discussion Session 2: "A peaceful and secure Africa"
Discussion Session 3: "A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development"
Leaders Working Lunch – Multilateral Partnerships with Africa to Meet Global Challenges
Leaders Session – Promoting Food Security and Food Systems Resilience
A "family photo" was taken between the working lunch and the final session.[7]
Participants
At the time of the summit, there were 54 fully recognized states in Africa. All 54 were members of the African Union, though membership had been suspended for 4 of these, due to recent coups in those countries. Invitations were extended to 49 of the remaining 50 that were "in good standing" with the African Union.[5]
The African Union was also invited.[3] All invitations were accepted.[3] All but 4 of the invited countries sent heads of state or heads of government. Biden met with the leaders as a group, and did not sit down with any of them individually.
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