US SECRETARY of State John Kerry touted Africa’s economic potential yesterday as scores of African leaders arrived in Washington for the largest gathering of continental heads of state hosted by a US president.
“Africa can be the marketplace of the future,” Kerry told ministers at the World Bank on the sidelines of the summit.
The three-day summit kicked off with a forum on civil society followed by discussions on women, health, food security and wildlife trafficking.
US Vice-President Joe Biden told civil society leaders they must work to root out corruption. He pledged US support in helping the continent to address its challenges.
Today leaders will hold a forum with top US business leaders. The summit culminates in a meeting tomorrow between the leaders and President Barack Obama to discuss investment, security and governance.
Leaders or foreign ministers of 50 African countries are attending the event. – Sapa-dpa