The United States is hosting a three day summit with leaders of four dozen nations in Africa that focuses ” largely on the economic potential that Africa offers the United States – provided that the two can solve ongoing problems around electricity supply, agriculture, security threats and democratic governance,” says the Washington Post. It calls the conference “a sprawling networking affair that will bring together foreign dignitaries, American and African chief executives, policymakers and activists…There are close to 100 side events, on top of a three-day formal conference that includes one day devoted to business issues. Another day will cover more traditional development issues, including food security, health, women’s empowerment and wildlife trafficking.”
USDA says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will take part in several events “to discuss ways of improving agricultural systems and build better trade capacity in Africa.” For today, he will speak on a panel about resilience and food security. Tonight, he is to participate in a dinner roundtable on agriculture and food security in Africa. On Tuesday, Vilsack is to attend the U.S.-Africa Business Forum to stress the importance of trade in economic development.