Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: United States

  • At Last, Trump Succumbs, Says Transition to Joe Biden Can Begin

    At Last, Trump Succumbs, Says Transition to Joe Biden Can Begin

    The United States President Donald Trump has taken a massive step towards admitting defeat in the country’s last presidential election Monday night by saying he was allowing the transition to Joe Biden to begin – but immediately claimed he could still overturn his defeat at the hands of voters.

    MailOnline reports that General Services Administration Chief, Emily Murphy, told President-elect Biden in a letter that he could start accessing federal resources to begin the presidential transition process early Monday evening.

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    Murphy, in a letter to Biden, announced the move, but dedicated a considerable portion to defending her own reputation and claiming she had been threatened and harassed.

    Her letter, notably, does not go so far as “ascertain” that Joe Biden is the winner of the election, despite networks calling the race 16 days ago, numerous states certifying their tallies, and Biden winning 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. She also called him “Mr.” instead of president-elect or vice president.

    It came just over an hour after Michigan certified that Biden had won the state, putting another nail in the coffin of Trump’s bid to overturn the election result.

    The move ends much of the controversy over Trump’s refusal to concede and means that a concession would be purely symbolic.

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    It allows Biden to get the same intelligence briefing as Trump, order FBI background checks on his picks for office and talk to senior officials in key roles – most notably, Dr. Tony Fauci.

    But Trump tweeted defiantly that he had ordered Murphy to start the transition “for the sake of the country” and claimed he was sure he would win “the good fight.”

    Idowu Sowunmi with agency reports

  • More World Leaders Celebrate Biden-Harris’ Electoral Victory Over Trump

    More World Leaders Celebrate Biden-Harris’ Electoral Victory Over Trump

    President Emmanuel Macron of France and many other world leaders have congratulated Joe Biden as the President-elect of the United States of America.

    Macron, in a statement, said: “The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris!

    “We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!”

    To President Muhammadu Buhari, Biden was being elected as the US President “at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs.”

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    Buhari said: “Your election is a significant reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.

    “The most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the polling booth.

    “The main fascination of democracy is the freedom of choice and the supremacy of the will of the people.”

    “Respect for the will of the people is the very reason why democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one polity to another, and from one society to another.”

    “I am thrilled by the fact that you are an experienced politician who had served as Congressman for 40 years and a Vice President for eight years. This is a remarkable track record that gives us hope that you will add value to the presidency and world affairs.”

    Buhari also noted that “with your election, we look forward to greater cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including the war against terrorism.”

    On international affairs, Nigerian President urged Mr. Biden to “deploy your vast experience in tackling the negative consequences of nationalist politics on world affairs which have created divisions, conflicts and uncertainties.”

    The Nigerian leader also called on Biden “to introduce greater engagement with Africa on the basis of reciprocal respects and shared interests.”

    Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose 2019 call with President Donald Trump sparked impeachment investigations, took to Twitter to congratulate President-elect and his running-mate, Kamala Harris.

    According to him, “Congratulations to @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris! #Ukraine is optimistic about the future of the strategic partnership with the #UnitedStates. 🇺🇦 and 🇺🇸 have always collaborated on security, trade, investment, democracy, fight against corruption. Our friendship becomes only stronger!”

    Also, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said: “We congratulate President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris and the American people on your election. We look forward to working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation.”

    On his part, President George Weah of Liberia said: “Congratulations to U.S.President-elect Joe Biden on his historic win. He assumes the leadership of the United States at a very challenging time for the country and the world as we all face a global health crisis. I urge all Americans to forge together in peace and unity.

    “As the traditional ally of the United States, Liberia stands ready to further enhance and rekindle our long, historic and unique bilateral relations.
    Congratulations!”

    Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement, described Biden-Harris’ victory as historic.

    “Today marks the dawning of a new day of hope for America. A record-shattering 75 million Americans cast their ballots to elect Joe Biden President of the United States – a historic victory that has handed Democrats a mandate for action.

    “In President-elect Joe Biden, Americans elected a leader ready on Day One to finally begin to crush the coronavirus so we can safely reopen our economy and schools. In President-elect Biden, the American people delivered a mandate for lower health costs, a mandate for creating bigger paychecks by rebuilding America’s infrastructure, and a mandate for cleaner government that works for the public interest, not the special interests. And in President-elect Biden, they have elected a unifier who values faith, family and community, and who will work tirelessly to heal our nation.

    “President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won with a strong margin, and they will have a strong Democratic House Majority by their side. Working together, we have the opportunity to deliver extraordinary progress For The People,” Pelosi said.

    A former British Prime Minister Theresa May also wrote: “Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Your election marks a new chapter in the history of your country and in the special partnership between our two nations. #democracy The UK & US will always work together to defend our shared values.”

    Also commenting on the election, a former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The voters have spoken, and they have chosen @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to be our next president and vice president.

    “It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.

    “Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together.”

    A former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, also wrote: “Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris !

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    “@JoeBiden is the 46th President of the United States! This is the will of the American people. Real democracies respect the will of the people and the institutions that uphold that will. Anyone else’s opinion is irrelevant now. Americans themselves have spoken.

    “In a democracy, no one should be bigger than the voters. America has held elections for 200 years. The Democrats were crushed when @HillaryClinton lost in 2016 and @realDonaldTrump won, but they accepted it. Now that Trump has lost and @JoeBiden won, the same must happen.

    “If Trump had won, would the election have been “rigged” and ballots sweepingly described as “illegal”? The whole world is watching the planet’s most powerful country. If this is happening there, what moral standing would it have to censure others on democracy?

    “The votes have spoken and, although Trump has the right to go to court, his effort should be channeled in a more professional and responsible manner, not wholesale denunciation of a system that WORKS and always has.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • US President Elect Will Have Challenges No Incoming President Ever Has

    US President Elect Will Have Challenges No Incoming President Ever Has

    The President-Elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden will have series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has the moment he steps into the White House in January 2021.

    The newly elected President’s former boss, ex-President Barack Obama said this on Saturday in his reaction after Biden and Kamala Harris, the Vice President-Elect beat Incumbent President Donald Trump in an unprecedented election in the history of America.

    “I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden.

    “I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President”, Obama expressed gladness.

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    World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

    Commenting about the election process that has been described as emotionally exhaustimg, ex-President Obama said: “In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory”.

    Obama expressed confidence about the the competence of his erstwhile Vice President in changing the economic trajectory of a nation that is widely divided at the moment.

    “We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.

    “I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

    “Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between.”

    In the last 3 days, analysts and public commentators have condemned President Trump’s inflammatory comments one of which was his unproven claims of wide spread fraud in an election that is now judged unprecedented in terms of numbers of voters.

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    Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

    “Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can”, Obama added.

    One of the highpoint of this election is the Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris, who has made history as the first woman of colour, a black woman of South Asian origin, to be elected as the number two leader of the US.

    Hours after results indicated that Joe Biden has won the race to Washington with over 74 million votes on Saturday night, CNN reported that President Trump refused to call or invite the President-Elect to the White House. He is not expected to speak as at Saturday night, President Trump is not expected to speak on am election that has taken a disappointing turn. He has demonstrated that he will go to court to contest the result of the election.

    The 46th elected president of the US, who crossed the electoral threshold of 270 is expected to address the nation 8pm Saturday.

    Tobiloba Kolawole

  • World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

    World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

    World leaders have been congratulating Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America, along his history-making first female Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris.

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, while welcoming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory, said: “Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.

    “The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”

    On his part, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued a congratulatory statement on the result of the U.S. presidential election.

    “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.

    “Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship – one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies.

    “We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world.

    “I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together.”

    Also, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said: “Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory!

    “As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights.

    “Heartiest congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.”

    President of Croatia, Kolinda Graba-Kitarovic, in her message, said: “Congratulations to President-Elect @JoeBiden and first woman VP @KamalaHarris.

    “Confident that partners and allies Croatia & US will continue working together & strengthening our long-lasting bonds. Determined leadership and cooperation are needed to overcome global challenges.”

    Shortly after news of projected victory of Biden-Harris ticket, former President Barack Obama congratulated his vice president and the vice president–to–be on their “historic and decisive victory.”

    Obama said: “I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden.

    “I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President.

    “In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory.

    “We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.

    “I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

    “Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between.

    “Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can.”

    In his reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said: “I congratulate Joe Biden on his well-deserved victory at the November 3, 2020, US elections, and look forward to the age-long collaboration of our two nations in the course of the advancement of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all peoples.

    “Nigeria and the United States are two nations, united by a common language. Indeed, the first major trip by the leader of an Independent Nigeria was the July 25, 1961, White House visit of the golden voice of Africa, the late Sir Tafawa Balewa, under President John F Kennedy.

    “Nigeria and the free world, have much to learn from your victory, especially your pronouncement that you would not be a President for only those who voted for you. May such sentiments echo and re-echo globally.

    “Not only do I congratulate you on your victory, but I also urge you to build on US-Nigeria relations, especially on widening the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for seamless interplay with the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

    “Only by fair trade will Africa fulfil its potential, and a prosperous Africa is good for the United States and the world.

    “In electing a man rich in experience, the great people of the United States of America have done the world a great service, and I also look forward to your global leadership in the war on terror, and partnership with Nigeria to end the terror and poverty-related insecurities that we face.

    “Once again, accept my congratulations.”

    Also, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, said: “I congratulate the former Vice-President of the United States, Joe Biden, on his historic election as the next President of the United States.”

    “I also congratulate Senator Kamala Harris, who will be the first female Vice-President of the world’s most vibrant democracy.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

    Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

    Vice President Joe Biden has been elected 46th President of the United States of America (USA).

    He polled 290 more than 270 electoral college votes required to be crowned as the number one citizen of God’s Own Country.

    Biden also recorded a historic winning votes of more than 74 million.

    Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born November 20, 1942, is now being officially addressed as the President-elect of the United States.

    A member of the Democrat Party, Biden and running mate, Kamala Devi Harris, defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the 2020 United States Presidential election.

    Harris would serve as First Female Vice President of the United States of America.

    Biden had served as the 47th Vice President in the Barack Obama administration from 2009 to 2017, and as a United States Senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009.

    Reacting to his victory, Biden said: “America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.

    “The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.

    “I will keep the faith that you have placed in me.”

    Congratulations, Biden-Harris

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • US AFRICOM’s New Director of Operations Visits Africa to Engage With Partners

    US AFRICOM’s New Director of Operations Visits Africa to Engage With Partners

    U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to the African continent to engage with partners, visit key U.S. military operating locations, and deepen his understanding of security in the region, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

    During his engagement, Tyler visited Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.

    While in Djibouti, Tyler and other U.S. Africa Command representatives met with the Djiboutian Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB).

    The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specified tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army. It is the first Djiboutian Armed Forces Special Force fully supported by the U.S. government. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to CJTF-HOA provide training to the RIB soldiers in U.S. Army basic warrior tasks, combat, and combat life-saving skills.

    “The U.S. military has a longstanding relationship with Djibouti and our Djiboutian military partners,” said Tyler. “The training and equipment that U.S. Africa Command provides to the Rapid Intervention Battalion uniquely demonstrates the U.S. commitment to enhancing our shared goal of improving regional security and stability on the continent. Our partnership and training continue to be in demand.”

    After departing Djibouti, Tyler went to several cooperative security locations (CSL) in Somalia and Kenya, including Manda Bay, Kenya, to reinforce the importance of security in the shared fight against al-Shabaab.

    Tyler’s trip highlighted AFRICOM’s commitment to working with our East African partners and operating in a degraded pandemic environment. The U.S. continues to operate and train with our East African partners.

    “Al-Shabaab remains a dangerous enemy,” said Tyler. “I saw first-hand the commitment of our Kenyan and Somali partners as we address a mutual threat in al-Shabaab. We will continue to sharpen our focus and counter this common threat.”

  • Breaking: Trump tests Positive to Coronavirus

    Breaking: Trump tests Positive to Coronavirus

    The President of the United States, Donald Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump both tested Positive to the deadly coronavirus.

    In a Twitter post by POTUS tonight, he shared the information.
    The President twitted:
    “Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

    It was reported earlier Hope Hicks, one of aides closest to President Donald Trump, had tested positive for the coronavirus.

    The White house however reported that the President and the First Lady will continue to carry out their daily duties while in quarantine. No details on this yet
    More details will be coming later

    Bunmi Adebayo

  • Electoral Fraud: US Gives Reasons for Not Revealing Identities of Nigerians Issued Visa Ban

    Electoral Fraud: US Gives Reasons for Not Revealing Identities of Nigerians Issued Visa Ban

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, Wednesday disclosed that for the sake of the confidentiality attached to visa-related issues, the identities of individual Nigerians placed on visa ban over rigging and electoral malpratices would not be revealed.

    Speaking at the maiden Consular Meeting with the Federal Government officials to resolve the listing of Nigeria among countries placed on immigration restrictions, Leonard said names of the offenders would not be made public, because it’s a confidential matter.

    According to her, “US visa processes are in fact confidential and so we do not publish a list. We do not make public who it is that would be subjected to this sanction.

    “An individual who intends to travel or apply for visa would be refused and impeded but it is not something that we advertise. We don’t reveal who these individuals are.

    “Anyone who had been involved with election processes in Nigeria should reflect upon that notorious behaviour and in this regards may face the consequences as they may not be able to travel to the United States.

    “There are people who we believe merit that treatment and should those people seek to travel or apply for visa, the ban will apply to them.”

    The US had Monday placed visa ban on some unidentified Nigerians over electoral malpratices perpetuated during the governorship polls in Bayelsa and Kogi states, warning any one with the intention to undermine the electoral processes in the forthcoming Edo and Ondo governorship polls to be ready to face the consequences.

    Commenting on the listing of Nigeria among countries placed on immigration restrictions, the US Envoy appreciated Nigeria for efforts so far put in place to address the issue of information sharing, handling of returnees from the United States despite the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • US Imposes Fresh Visa Restrictions on Election Riggers in Nigeria

    US Imposes Fresh Visa Restrictions on Election Riggers in Nigeria

    The United States of America (USA) has imposed fresh visa restrictions on individuals in Nigeria who undermined democratic processes in the recent gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states.

    Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, disclosed this on Monday in a statement by the spokesperson to the Department of State, Morgan Ortagus, saying: “These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.”

    US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

    The statement clarified that the visa restrictions were specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.

    Pompeo said the decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.

    The statement condemned acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.

    Ahead of the governorship polls in Edo and Ondo state, Pompeo urged all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.

    It would be recalled that US had in July 2019 announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.

    The statement reads thus: “The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy.

    “We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes.

    “We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.

    “We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process.

    “As the Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections near, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.

    “In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organising election-related violence.

    “In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections.

    “Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa state elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo state elections.

    “These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

    “The Department of State emphasizes that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people.

    “This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realise its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

  • US Export-Import Bank Constitutes Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee

    US Export-Import Bank Constitutes Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee

    The US Export-Import Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the US-African cooperation by constituting Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee for 2020 and 2021.

    The committee is composed of pro-investment and pro-business advisors who understand Africa and would be instrumental in growing the US-African cooperation and flows of goods, services and technology.

    The Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee is chaired by the Senior Vice President and Director of the Programme on Prosperity and Development at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Daniel Runde.

    African Development Bank Approves $27.33m to Ramp Up AU’s COVID-19 Response

    Other members of the committee include: Chief Executive Officer, Energy and Natural Resource Security, Inc., Derek Campbell; Senior Vice President, African Affairs and President, US-Africa Business Centre, US Chamber of Commerce, Scott Eisner; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AppsTech, Rebecca Enonchong; Executive Director/Americas Export Finance Head, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Lori Helmers; President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Council on Africa, Florizelle Liser, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer,
    Mima Nedelcovych; Principal, The OKPA Co., EE Okpa; Director Customer and Industry Relations, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, Marise Duff Stewart; President – International Business, Acrow Bridge, Paul Sullivan; and Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), America, Sola Yomi-Ajayi.

    By working to provide funding for trade and development deals in Africa for American companies, the US EXIM Bank could become an increasingly important source of financing for Africa’s critical energy infrastructure.

    US companies have important products, experience and expertise in several key segments of the energy value chain that would be extremely beneficial if properly matched with opportunities on the continent.

    This is especially relevant to the natural gas value-chain which has become a key priority for most African governments, and for which American technology and services could help transform the continent’s energy industry.

    Equally important is the focus given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the committee.

    The African Energy Chamber’s own US-Africa Committee has identified the collaboration between US and African SMEs as a major requirement to grow investment and technology transfers between the US and Africa.

    Commenting on the latest appointments, a prominent member of the Africa Energy Chamber’s US-Africa Committee, Jude Kearney, said: “The African Energy Chamber notes and welcomes the recent appointment of the US Exim Bank’s Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee.

    “The renewed interest and appetite for investing in Africa shown by Exim Bank and other US trade agencies is welcome in Africa, and the continent’s energy sector is listening and open to doing business and making the kind of deals that will propel the continent towards a prosperous future.”

    “The African Energy Chamber looks forward to supporting further US involvement in Africa and to developing new ways of working together and pushing for a pro-African investment agenda in the US public and private sectors,” said Kearney, who’s also the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Service Industries and Finance at the US Department of Commerce during the Clinton Administration and currently President of Kearney Africa Advisors.

    On his part, Director of Strategy at the Africa Energy Chamber, Mickael Vogel, said: “We are very proud to see Rebecca Enonchong on this board. She more than anyone understands the challenges of small businesses and has personally built and mentored many such businesses.

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    “With her you know you have someone who will work towards making America a good partner of the African business community and ensuring that civil society is not left behind. She is an inspiration for so many women in business.”

    “We are grateful that our own C. Derek Campbell will add value to this work.

    “Derek has a proven track-record on issues that concern trade with Africa and also on Energy Security.

    “Advancing and protecting Africa’s energy sector, empowering Africans and openings doors for so many that he has never met has been the work of his life,” noted the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.

    The increased attention given to SMEs on both sides of the Atlantic is extremely encouraging for the future of US-African cooperation and its ability to create jobs and value for both regions.

    Idowu Sowunmi