BY SYLIVESTER DOMASA
24th June 2013
The optimistic remarks were issued over the weekend by Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, Grant T Harris via a digital clip preview availed to The Guardian. He further noted that the said areas will be the main focus of the visiting president’s speeches.
In this regard, the senior director explained that as the World seeks to strengthen democracy, economic growth and advance peace and security, communities must give the youth a chance, allow the next generations to have equal opportunity and to also afford them skills necessary to combat inevitable challenges to be faced in the course of development and search for better living for all.
Such acquired skills and availed opportunities are potential for the next generation to strive and strengthen the type of transparent and democratic institutions that will be fundamental to the continent’s long-term success.
Speaking of the President Obama’s Young African Leaders’ Initiative (YALI) he pointed out that it is designed and aimed at capacity building to support and or help young leaders develop necessary array of skills as well as to offer a link that will connect them one to another and to their American counterparts.
Among the skills to be afforded in the initiative is support to incorporate
entrepreneurs in job creation and learning skills that will enable them rise their business to the next level.
“As Africa sees explosive economic growth, the US will continue strengthening democratic institutions on advocating economic growth and also tackling peace and security challenges…,” Harris pledged on behalf of the US.
“America will work with African countries to support regional integration efforts that are wisely undertaken just for economic growth, trade and investment…,” he added underscoring that tackling security threats is critical for economic growth and democracy a vital aspect for the region and the global community at large.
Harris also noted that the presidential initiative will increase the size of market and attract greater business investments to the continent. He again reassured the continent that America will support both bilateral and multilateral reforms geared at improving the investment climate of the continent to attract global capital.
On different but related topic, Harris advised the government to be accountable to its citizens by encouraging and supporting a responsive environment of dialogue and positive criticism to promote and protect human rights.
In that brief the officer, on behalf of president Obama, made it clear that civil societies, independent media and democratic institutions must be given space and opportunity to air their views, opinions and criticism without fear of persecution.
“Obama too will speak about the matter, hundreds and millions of dollars are allocated every year trying to build capacity and help empower the people’s voices,” he stressed and took the moment to highlight that Obama’s visit in the country underscores America’s commitment to invest in African economies and its people.
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a long-term effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders and strengthen partnerships between the United States and Africa.
YALI is designed to develop a prestigious network of leaders across critical sectors, cement stronger ties to the United States and offer follow-on leadership opportunities in Africa with the goal of strengthening democratic institutions and spurring economic growth.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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