Will Stevens, U.S. Consul General in Lagos, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to promoting gender equality, women’s rights and youth empowerment across Africa.
Stevens gave the assurance on Thursday at the Africa Social Impact Summit in Lagos.
The summit, with the theme: “Global Vision, Local Action: Repositioning the African Development Ecosystem for Sustainable Outcomes”, was co-convened by the United Nations in Nigeria and Sterling One Foundation.
Stevens said that through targeted initiatives, mentorship programs and investments in entrepreneurship, the U.S. aimed to unlock the potential of women and youths to contribute fully to their nations’ growth and development.
According to him, no vision of progress can be complete without the active participation and empowerment of women and young people.
Speaking on his country’s support for Africa’s development, Stevens said at the heart of the U.S. commitment to Africa was “a steadfast focus to fostering economic growth”.
He said: “The African continent is dynamic, chock-full of untapped potential, from its people, to its vibrant innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and vast natural resources.
“Recognizing this, the U.S. envisions a future where economic growth is inclusive, sustainable, and far-reaching.
“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 said that through initiatives such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the U.S. had played a pivotal role in fostering two-way trade relationships that empowered African economies and communities.
He said that since its enactment in 2000, AGOA had facilitated one trillion dollars in total trade.
He said that by providing duty-free access to U.S. markets for eligible African nations including Nigeria, AGOA had paved the way for enhanced market access and economic diversification.
Stevens also said that people-to-people connections underpinned the strength of his country’s relationship with Africa, noting that in 2022, Nigeria joined the top 10 countries in the world in sending students to the U.S..
“When these students complete their degrees, they come home with connections to research institutions in the U.S., 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,” he said.
According to him, the U.S. educated and trained Nigerians are leading the economic growth that is powering the transformation of the economy.
Stevens said the U.S. was resolutely dedicated to promoting peace, democracy, and security in Africa, adding that sustainable development could only occur in an environment free from conflict and instability.
He said that through peacekeeping missions, counterterrorism efforts or capacity-building programs for security forces, the U.S. was dedicated to forging partnerships that contributed to a safer continent.
He said this included joint efforts to address the vulnerabilities of African nations, the devastating impacts of climate change and strengthening of the continent’s climate resilience.
“The priorities set forth by the U.S. in Africa are not a one-sided endeavor, they are a pledge to walk hand in hand with African nations towards a future of shared prosperity and mutual growth.
“For so long, we have talked about supporting African solutions to African problems, but 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,” Stevens said.
