Africa: First 2002 CFA Town Hall Meeting a Success

25 February 2002
Constituency for Africa (Washington, DC)
press release

Washington, DC — The Constituency for Africa (CFA) successfully launched its 2002 Town Hall Meeting on Africa Series and Africa Business Roundtable on February 21-22, 2002 in Hartford, CT. This meeting was convened in cooperation with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

Over 300 people attended the Welcoming Reception, Town Hall Meeting, and the Africa Business Roundtable. Distinguished speakers and meeting participants included the Ambassadors of Tanzania and Kenya, Diplomats from Nigeria and Ghana, a delegation from South Africa, Mr. James Abromaitis, Commissioner of DECD, Representative Marie Kirkley-Bey, Chairman of the Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, Mr. Al Cooper, a retired senior executive with Johnson & Johnson, and Dr. Amii Omara-Otunu, UNESCO Chair in Human Rights.

The delegation from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, participated in the sessions to discuss economic development, human rights, and other issues in South Africa and in the Southern African region.

"The Town Hall Meeting Series and Africa Business Roundtables are vehicles for CFA to educate Americans and mobilize support for Africa," stated Melvin Foote, CFA President & CEO. "These issues have to be addressed outside of Washington, DC. These are opportunities for Africans to speak to the American people directly and without filters. With 7,000 people dying a day in Africa from HIV/AIDS, the call to action is now!"

African diplomats, state and local legislators, activists, and business leaders discussed a number of critical issues facing Africa, including HIV/AIDS, economic growth and development, poverty alleviation, conflict resolution, and the implementation of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

H.E. Mustafa Nyanganyi, Ambassador of Tanzania, greeted the enthusiastic Hartford community at an opening reception on Wednesday night at the Artists’ Collective. "We are thrilled to be here in Hartford," stated Ambassador Nyanganyi. "Now we must use this forum to have an honest and open exchange of ideas and views. Africa needs your support." Ambassador Nyanganyi urged Americans, citizens of Connecticut in particular, to pay more attention to Africa and explore ways to collaborate in such areas as health, education, technology, and business.

Both the Africans and U.S. business community discussed the impact of AGOA on U.S.-Africa trade and investment. According to Jacques Walker, Africa Trade & Investment Policy (ATRIP) Program Director for CFA, "Prior to AGOA, the U.S. did not have a trade policy for Africa. In that context, AGOA is a step in the right direction. AGOA is a framework for improved cooperation and engagement." CFA announced its new ATRIP Initiative which is designed to link U.S. and African small business enterprises.

H.E. Dr. Yusuf Nzibo, Ambassador of Kenya, indicated that while AGOA has had a positive impact on his country, it has been a gradual process. "When we initially opened our markets, we were flooded with imports. This made for a difficult transition. AGOA has meant increased foreign investment and has led to increased productivity in multiple sectors in Kenya. AGOA has resulted in over 200,000 new jobs."

While there have been documented success stories, Ambassador Nyanganyi urged cautious optimism. "AGOA was meant to help Africa. Of the 52 African countries, 48 were declared initially eligible by the U.S. Of these 48, only 35 qualified. Of these 35, only 12 countries, with Tanzania being the 12th last week, have qualified for certain AGOA provisions."

The global fight against terrorism, led by the U.S., was also the subject of intense discussion. Several participants indicated that the fight against terrorism must also be the fight against poverty and disenfranchisement.

The two-day session ended with State Proclamations being presented to the African countries represented, and with a discussion of mechanisms for local follow-up. On the business side, CFA and DECD agreed to jointly identify a minimum of 25 small businesses for participation in CFA’s ATRIP Program. CFA and DECD will work with these firms to facilitate linkages with African companies.

The theme for CFA’s 2002 Town Hall Meeting Series is "Building a New Relationship with Africa", and encourages dialogue at the community level on U.S. policy as it pertains to Africa. The HIV/AIDS pandemic, conflict resolution, regional integration, and other issues are explored. An "Action Plan for Africa" for each city will be introduced as a mechanism for local follow-up. This Action Plan will be "owned" by CFA’s local partners.

The Africa Business Roundtable, with the theme of "Integrating Africa into the Global Economy", will explore opportunities for increased two-way trade and investment with Africa within the framework of AGOA, with a particular focus on the involvement of U.S. and African small business enterprises. CFA has received a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development to help facilitate linkages between U.S. and African small businesses. The Africa Business Roundtable series in the U.S. will allow CFA, in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of International Trade, to target U.S. small businesses and introduce them to trade and investment opportunities in Africa.

Other planned cities for 2002 include Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Harlem, NY; Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Kansas City, KS; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Memphis, TN; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; Newark, NJ; Oakland, CA; Queens, NY; Richmond, VA; Tulsa, OK; Upper Marlboro, MD; and Washington, DC. There are also plans to convene a Town Hall Meeting in Port O’ Spain, Trinidad to coincide with Emancipation Day celebrations.

Over the past 10 years, CFA has established itself as one of the foremost organizations in the U.S. committed to educating and mobilizing the U.S. public on matters pertaining to Africa. As a result, CFA has effectively increased the level of cooperation and coordination among a broad-based coalition of American, African and international organizations, businesses, and individuals committed to the progress, development, and empowerment of Africa and African peoples. In addition, CFA's achievement in advocacy education and information dissemination has led to a greater understanding and awareness of Africa among all groups.

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