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On 11/10/2008 7:19:48 PM Ambassador Mary C. Yates wrote
How can we, a military command, contribute to economic growth and stability in Africa? I had a unique opportunity to discuss this question October 8, 2008, while representing U.S. Africa Command at a luncheon in Washington, D.C. called "Envisioning Africa in 2020," hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). There I met with group of entrepreneurs to discuss topics related to commerce in Africa, specifically the integral link between security and development.
I have been a fan of the work of the Corporate Council on Africa for many years and have witnessed the power of public-private partnerships, which help to expand development assistance efforts in Africa.
Africa Command and Corporate Council on Africa share a common mission: a more stable and prosperous Africa. Just as economic growth is stimulated by a nation's improved security, so is security strengthened by economic prosperity. They are inseparable.
CCA enables economic growth in Africa by promoting open and free markets, increasing foreign investments, and reducing African reliance on aid and assistance, all of which contribute to a growing middle class throughout the continent. This rising middle class continues to expand as new generations of young people seek to improve their quality of life with non-traditional business opportunities.
Economic improvement is evidenced by the rising middle class in Sub Saharan Africa, which, according to the World Bank, is predicted to be 43 million strong by the year 2030. Countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana are expected to be among the leaders of this trend.
The increasing prosperity in this region plays a significant role in its security and stability. For instance, in Kenya, it was the middle class and business community who urged the political class to find balance and to put a stop to post-election violence. These are just a few examples of the many African nations that are actively working to increase their GDP growth and lessen the gap between the rich and the poor.
As U.S. Africa Command looks for relevant and appropriate ways to support economic growth and stability in Africa, we're planning our activities and engagements from a more holistic approach of government.
U.S. Africa Command's approach, known as "active security," focuses on long-term solutions, rather than short-term improvements through a variety of theater security cooperation programs, military-to-military training, and other initiatives. The goal is to promote a more stable environment in African nations; one where investment and development can thrive.
Following the official establishment of Africa Command on October 1, 2008, more than one hundred missions, activities, programs, and exercises, previously worked by the European, Central, and Pacific Commands, were transferred over to U.S. Africa Command. I look forward to seeing the positive effects these programs will have on the overall security and stability in Africa.
U.S. Africa Command and members of Corporate Council on Africa are natural partners. If we can find ways to share, we should arrive at mutually beneficial outcomes.
On 1/3/2009 8:27:14 AM EDIDIONG in united states wrote YES THEY WILL ACCEPT AFRICOM.THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS RACIST.THAT IS THE PROBLEM.
On 1/3/2009 8:24:50 AM EDIDIONG in united states wrote WHY IS THE HEAD QUATERS OF AFRICOM SITUATED IN GERMANY RATHER THAN IN AN AFRICAN COUNTRY SINCE ITS JURISDICTION IS IN AFRICA.CHANGE
On 11/10/2008 11:36:38 PM Anonymous in Unspecified wrote Now that Barack Obama is the United States President Elect, do you think Kenya, or any other African nation, will change their mind about serving as host country to the command?
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