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U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 - Media Logistics Advisory #1 (October 27, 2022)
Media credentialing has now closed for the Summit.
Background: As previously announced, the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will bring leaders from across the African continent to Washington, DC on December 13-15, 2022.
The Summit will demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa and will underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will build on shared values to better foster new economic engagement; reinforce the U.S.-Africa commitment to democracy and human rights; mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and future pandemics; work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health; promote food security; advance peace and security; respond to the climate crisis; and amplify diaspora ties. The Summit is expected to convene African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector in the pursuit of a shared vision for the future of U.S.-Africa relations.
Summary and Security
The Summit is principally taking place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., with additional official Summit events occurring at several other venues across the Washington area, from December 13-15, 2022. To access any Summit event, all media members will require an event-issued credential for access, regardless of existing federal or official identification. Due to significant capacity limitations, most coverage opportunities at the Summit will be pooled, and selection of pool participants will be at the determination of individual attending delegations. Approval of media accreditation will permit access to the International Media Center but does not guarantee access to specific Summit events.
Additional details regarding security, credential pick-up, arrival logistics, and operational hours/pre-set arrangements will be transmitted to accredited media.
Accreditation and Access
All media representatives wishing to cover the Summit, or access the Summit site, must have a media credential. Media credentialing closed for the Summit on November 17 at 5:30PM. We encourage all media organizations to ensure accreditation is submitted for additional personnel/correspondents in case of contingencies (e.g., illness, assignment rotations, etc). No late or last-minute exceptions will be permitted.
Digital “passport-style” photographs (clear, color and recent) will be required for submission at a minimum dimension of 120 pixels x 150 pixels at 150 dpi. An image file is required to submit the Application Form to attend the Summit. The photo background must be plain – white/grey are recommended – with no hat or head covering permitted. We ask that you do not upload scanned images of actual documents (e.g. passports/driver’s licenses). The application will also solicit additional personal information (e.g. full legal name, date of birth, gender, national identification or passport number, city of residence, etc.), These fields will be required and all required fields must be completed in order to submit your form (all required fields will have a RED outline around them).
Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee or constitute approval, and Summit accreditation is independent from the visa process necessary for travel to the United States. Visa approval does not guarantee Summit accreditation, nor vice-versa.
Any organization accrediting more than ten (10) individuals to the Summit should inquire to summitmedia@state.gov by November 4 for a “Registered Organizer” account to streamline their organization’s credentialing process.
Schedule and Coverage Opportunities
Media representatives should expect various Leader-level media opportunities, beginning at approximately 8:00 AM ET and ending at 5:00 PM ET each day on December 13, 14 and 15. Participating delegations may schedule informal or formal media opportunities throughout the duration of the Summit.
Further, we anticipate a number of concurrent unofficial side events to take place outside the Summit agenda, programmed by a wide variety of civil society or nonprofit organizers unaffiliated with the United States Government. Press access and coverage at each of these events, as well as any third-party events taking place in Washington, is at the discretion of Event organizers, whom should be contacted directly regarding logistical or editorial inquiries.
The U.S.-Africa Business Forum (USABF), a core pillar of the Summit, will take place on day two. The Forum will bring together business and government leaders to advance mutually beneficial partnerships to create jobs and drive inclusive and sustainable growth on both sides of the Atlantic. The 2022 U.S.-Africa Business Forum is hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Corporate Council on Africa, in partnership with the Prosper Africa initiative. The USABF will feature a Deal Room, hosted by Prosper Africa where U.S. and African businesses and investors will announce new and expanded commitments by the hour for an audience of top U.S., African, and other international media.
To request one-on-one broadcast and print interviews with U.S. Government officials or the State Department’s Arabic, French-language, or Portuguese-language spokespeople, media representatives may write PAMediaRequests@state.gov.
International Media Center (IMC), HostTV
The United States will provide an International Media Center (IMC) within the Summit venue, consisting of unassigned workspace and live shot/stand-up broadcast positions. Unassigned workstations are available at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include complimentary wireless internet access and power outlets (North American 120V).
Additional services beyond those provided complimentary (e.g. high-speed wired/wireless internet, interview space bookable by the hour, additional power, or custom workspace) will be available on a fee-for-purchase basis through the media services rate card. Register to purchase additional services , the deadline for rate card orders is November 28.
Media organizations wishing to inquire about live/broadcast locations or parking availability for live transmission vehicles should utilize the media services rate card by no later than November 28, 2022; the rate card form requires organizations to indicate the type of vehicle and length. Due to security restrictions, satellite trucks will be required to remain parked overnight for the duration of the Summit.
HostTV: The United States will make available video and still images of public Summit events, including Leader Summit meeting opportunities as “clean” (no graphics/chyrons) in NTSC 1080i on a complimentary basis. HostTV events will be streamed live and available for download.
Accommodations
The United States is not providing accommodations for media attending the Summit, and all lodging must be secured independently. Given the number of attending delegations, we encourage attending media to secure accommodations.
COVID-19: Testing and Vaccination Requirements
All participants accessing the Summit are subject to COVID-19 compliance requirements; guidance is subject to change based on developments in local health conditions or as recommended by health authorities. Detailed information about the COVID-19 testing requirements in Washington and vaccination requirements for participating in the Summit is forthcoming and will be transmitted to approved media.
Visas and Customs
It is strongly recommended that journalists planning to travel to the United States for the Summit start the visa application process as soon as possible, regardless of the accreditation process. As previously stated, visa approval does not guarantee accreditation, nor vice-versa. Additional visa information for journalists traveling as part of an official delegation can be sent via email inquiry to the Office of the Chief of Protocol at summitmedia@state.gov.
All media covering the Summit who are not U.S. citizens, or who do not currently have authorization to work in the United States, must have an appropriate visa to travel to the United States. For many, this will be an “I” nonimmigrant visa. The Visa Waiver Program does not cover individuals coming to the United States to work, even for a short period of time. Additionally, the Visa Waiver Program is not applicable to persons traveling on diplomatic passports. Visit http://travel.state.gov for more information.
Media Equipment: Media bringing in equipment (from outside the United States) to the Summit should obtain a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) or ATA Carnet. Additional information regarding TIB or ATA Carnet is available online at the Department of Homeland Security or International Chamber of Commerce.
Additional Questions, Technical Inquiries, and Contact Information
Please email summitmedia@state.gov with any logistical media inquiries. For broader press inquiries regarding the Summit, please contact AF-Press@state.gov.