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Bureau of African Affairs

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Our Mission

The Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs is focused on the development and management of U.S. policy concerning the African continent. The Department’s Africa Strategy focuses on three core objectives: 1) Advancing trade and commercial ties with key African states to increase U.S. and African prosperity; 2) Protecting the United States from cross-border health and security threats; and 3) Supporting key African states’ progress toward stability, citizen-responsive governance, and self-reliance.

Molly Phee

Assistant Secretary

Molly Phee

The Latest

May 11, 2023

Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan

Preamble Recognizing the necessity of uplifting the plight and misery from our people resulting from the ongoing fighting since April 15, 2023, in particular in the capital of Khartoum, responding to urgent humanitarian needs of our civilian citizens, Responding to the various initiatives of the brotherly and friendly countries, led by the Saudi-American initiative, We, […]

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Key Topics

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

Africa will shape the future — not just the future of the African people, but of the world. Rooted in this recognition that Africa is a key geopolitical player, President Biden invited leaders from across the African continent to Washington, DC on December 13-15, 2022 for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. President Biden believes U.S. collaboration with African leaders, as well as civil society, business, diaspora, women, and youth leaders, is essential to unlocking the potential of this decisive decade.

Learn more about the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

Vital Partners, Shared Priorities

Our strategy is rooted in the recognition that sub-Saharan Africa is a major geopolitical force, one that shaped our past, is shaping our present, and will shape our future.

Read the full speech Vital Partners, Shared Priorities

African Growth and Opportunity Act

Enacted in May 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the cornerstone of U.S. economic engagement with the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Learn more about AGOA African Growth and Opportunity Act

African Women's Entrepreneurship Program

African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) is an outreach, education, and engagement initiative that targets African women entrepreneurs to promote business growth, increase trade both regionally and to U.S. markets through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), create better business environments, and empower African women entrepreneurs to become voices of change in their communities.

Learn more about AWEP African Women's Entrepreneurship Program

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the United States’ signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders.

Learn more about YALI Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)

Countries & Areas

Sub-Saharan Africa

Offices

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future