WASHINGTON, DC—On Wednesday, May 26, the U.S.-Nigeria Council (USNC) hosted a virtual event on U.S.-Africa policy under the Biden administration featuring Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Africa on the National Security Council Dana Banks. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and USNC Chairman Terence McCulley welcomed guests, while Chevron’s Vice President and General Manager for Government Affairs Karen Knutson introduced Ms. Banks.
Ms. Banks began by laying out the Biden administration’s high-level strategy for reengagement with the continent, promising a mutually respectful relationship with African countries that is underpinned by strong and consistent diplomacy and a resolute commitment to U.S. leadership in multilateral fora. She then highlighted the administration’s ambitions to advance trade and commercial ties, deploy aid and humanitarian assistance, strengthen democracy and human rights, and enhance stability and security.
On Nigeria, Ms. Banks opened her remarks by congratulating World Trade Organization Director General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her recent appointment — the first woman and first African to lead the organization. She then stressed the critical role that Nigeria plays on the continent and lauded the country’s commitment to equitable decarbonization and sustainable electrification. Finally, Ms. Banks conveyed the Biden administration’s intention to not just expand existing U.S.-Africa trade and investment initiatives, but also to craft new, more targeted ones.
Following these remarks, USNC Senior Advisor Aubrey Hruby moderated a discussion between Ms. Banks and USNC members participating in the discussion. Topics included technology and digital issues, food security, and the role of development finance to drive investment into African markets.
If you would like to learn more about the USNC and our future programming, please email USNC Director of Operations Jonathan Dörnhofer at jdornhofer@usnigeriacouncil.org.