President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Nigeria for Washington DC, to attend the United States-Africa Leaders Summit.
His itinerary was disclosed in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
According to the statement, the high-level meeting, scheduled to hold between December 13-15, is at the instance of the United States President, Joe Biden.
Reports have it that Biden looks forward to “working with African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to continue strengthening our shared vision for the future of US-Africa relations.”
The event is expected to highlight the importance of US-Africa relations and enhanced cooperation on common global concerns, while also demonstrating the US’ unwavering commitment to Africa.
Furthermore, the Summit seeks more achievable ways to: encourage new economic engagement; advance peace, security, and good governance; reaffirm commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society; collaborate to strengthen regional and global health security; promote food security; respond to the climate crisis; amplify diaspora ties, and promote education and youth leadership.
Buhari will, on the first day, speak about Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and a Just Energy Transition, focusing specifically on the “Just Energy Transition” component.
He 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.
After the summit, Buhari is expected back in the country on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
