Africa: Obama Committed to Increase Trade and Investment in Africa

THE need for American businesses to be engaged and increase their trade and investment in Africa will be among the highlights of President Obama's visit to the three countries in Africa.
Africa is seeing explosive economic growth, with six of the ten world's fastest growing economies in Sub-saharan Africa. The US Senior Director for African Affairs, Mr Grant Harris made the remarks over the weekend, adding that President Barack Obama will be expounding on this issue while in Tanzania and other countries he will be visiting next month.
"That is the areas of importance to this administration and he will be talking about that during his upcoming trip," he said. Mr Harris who is Special Assistant to President Barack Obama also said that the President's visit to Tanzania, Senegal and South Africa next month highlights the importance of bilateral relationship and ongoing activities that are supported by the US government in the region.

In Digital Clip previewing, in which 'Sunday News' and other media outlets contributed questions on the President's trip to Africa, the Senior Director said that the visit is an important opportunity which the President will use to speak to the Continent.
"President Obama will talk about the American investments for African economies and people across the board," said Mr Harris. He also said that it means connecting with the next generation of leaders, strengthening democratic institutions and trying to partner with institutions that will bring conducive investment climate, which will even further attract global capital.
"This is the type of work that the US has been engaged in years and decades," he said. The Director further said that President Obama while in these countries will express American Commitment in investing in African economies and its people.

"The trips are going to allow the President to really highlight on the on-going partnership with these countries and region at large," he said. On the issue of US spurring economic growth the Director said that the US is very wisely undertaking trade and investment which will increase the size of the markets and attract even greater businesses to make investments in Africa.
"We are doing this both bilaterally and multilaterally to support the types of reforms in the investment climate and to make the region more attractive to global investment," he said. The Director also spoke on the success of Mr Obama's initiative focused on spurring economic growth, trade investment and promoting opportunities and development, as well as strengthening democratic institutions.
"There has been great focus on our relationship with Africa characterised by huge promise of the region. We want to make sure those threats whether disease or food insecurity can be combated in partnership with Africa and the US," he said.
"There is always more work to be done. And one of the things that President Obama will be speaking on his trip is how we can deepen this collaboration with African partners," he said.. According to a statement issued by the US embassy prior to this position, Mr Harris was Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to Susan E. Rice, the US Ambassador to the United Nations and a member of President Obama's Cabinet. Mr Harris also served as Senior Policy Advisor to Ambassador Rice and was a member of the Obama/Biden Transition Team.