President Obama Engages With African Leaders On Final Day Of The U.S-Africa Leaders Summit

President Barrack Obama and African leaders took part in three action-oriented sessions yesterday as part of the U.S-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit is the largest event any U.S. president has held with African heads of state and government, and builds on President Obama's trip to
Africa last summer.

In remarks at the morning's opening session, the President explained the purpose of the event and noted the progress across the African continent and what that means for America:

    "We come together this week because, even as the continent faces significant challenges, as I said last night, I believe a new Africa is emerging.  With some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a growing middle class, and the youngest and fastest-growing population on Earth, Africa will help shape the world as never before."

    "Moreover, Africa’s progress is being led by Africans, including leaders represented here today.  More governments are embracing economic reforms, attracting record levels of investment.  Gains in development, increasing agricultural production, declining rates in infectious diseases are being driven by African plans.  African security forces and African peacekeepers are risking their lives to meet regional threats.  A new generation of young Africans is making its voice heard."

    "Africa’s rise means opportunity for all of us -- including the opportunity to transform the relationship between the United States and Africa.  As I said in Cape Town last year, it’s time for a new model of partnership between America and Africa -- a partnership of equals that focuses on African capacity to solve problems, and on Africa’s capacity to grow.  And that’s why we’re here."

The President called the summit "an opportunity to focus on three broad areas" where the U.S. and Africa can make progress together: expanding trade that creates jobs; strengthening governance; and deepening our security cooperation against common threats.

"We are here not just to talk," he said. "We are here to take action concrete steps to build on Africa’s progress and forge the partnerships of equals that we seek; tangible steps to deliver more prosperity, more security, and more justice to our citizens."

Read The Full Speech Here
Watch the President's full remarks below: