By Wendy Nweke
President Muhammadu Buhari will will tomorrow depart for Washington, USA, to join other African leaders at the United States-Africa Leaders Summit.
The high level meeting, which holds from 13th to 15 of this month, is at the instance of the President of the United States, Mr. Joe Biden.
A State House statement suggests that the meeting is aimed at finding effective ways for the US to work with African governments, civil society organisations, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to strengthen US-Africa relations.
It says the event is expected to demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and underscore the importance of US-Africa relations, and increased co-operation on shared global priorities.
The summit further seeks more pragmatic ways to: foster new economic engagement, advance peace, security, and good governance; reinforce commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society, work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security, promote food security, respond to the climate crisis, amplify diaspora ties, and promote education and youth leadership.
On the first day, President Buhari will speak on the topic, Conservation, Climate Adaptation and a Just Energy Transition, dwelling directly on the ”Just Energy Transition” component.
Signed by the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the statement says the President will also address some of the other sub-themes of the summit, as well as participate in the US-Africa Business Forum, USABF, hosted by the US Department of Commerce, which focuses on increased trade and investment between the United States and African nations.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Corporate Council of Africa will host the Nigerian delegation to a US-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum Business Roundtable, during which Nigerian organisations and businesses are expected to sign agreements with their American counterparts.
President Buhari, who will be accompanied on the trip by Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara States, relevant ministers and top government officials, is expected back in the country on Sunday, December 18.