Bureau of African Affairs

Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer leads the Bureau of African Affairs, the division of the Department of State that advises the Secretary about sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Frazer believes that we are living in an historic window of opportunity. For example, in the last five years, we have seen belligerence yield to negotiation in six contentious settings: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the North-South element of the Sudan crisis. Formerly divided by conflict, Burundi now has an elected government up and running. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is likewise moving beyond transition to laying the groundwork for elections in June. This is an historical shift. In the years ahead, African leaders face three key challenges: consolidating democratic gains, expanding economic growth, and stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Good Governance: Africa does not suffer a democracy deficit. More than two-thirds of sub-Saharan African countries have had democratic elections since 2000. Power has changed hands in a number of nations, from Senegal to Tanzania, and from Ghana to Zambia. So, elections have been a success. Over the next two to three years, the goal is to move beyond elections as the measure of freedom, and toward supporting African efforts to fortify government accountability. Good governance is an essential prerequisite for any other social changes.

Economic Might: The strength inherent in responsive, free governments is complemented by economic might. Strong countries need dynamic economies, which require accountability and transparency. Successful economies also typically welcome foreign investment and trading relationships. The U.S. supports trade as a means of increasing stability and prosperity, while also bringing nations closer. For these reasons, the U.S. formalized our trading relationship with sub-Saharan Africa, enshrined in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, commonly known as AGOA. Thirty-seven African nations currently participate in AGOA. Trade creates jobs, and economic opportunity offers hope.

New Way to Aid: The Bush Administration has pioneered a new innovative approach to aid, through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). The MCA program seeks out countries that have already implemented economic reforms and good governance programs. It partners with these countries to help transform their economies and fight poverty. Half of the countries eligible for funding under the President's innovative multi-billion dollar initiative are in Africa, including: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, and Tanzania.

Health Care: Since 2001, the U.S. has moved aggressively to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, while also caring for those who are already infected. The Presidents' Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the key tool in this fight. PEPFAR is a $15 billion program with a five-year horizon that includes bilateral programs in more than 100 countries. PEPFAR includes 15 'focus countries,' 12 of which are in sub-Saharan Africa. Within the focus countries, the goal is provide treatment to 2 million HIV infected individuals, prevent 7 million new infections, and provide care to 10 million individuals already infected with - or affected by - HIV/AIDS. The Emergency Plan is on track to meet those goals. As of September 30, 2005, PEPFAR was supporting care for nearly 3 million people, including: more than 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children, care for over 1.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and supported counseling and testing for over 9.4 million people.

This film depicts the impact of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) -- a five year, $15 billion, multifaceted approach to combating HIV/AIDS in more than 120 countries around the world. As President Bush has said: "This effort is succeeding because America is providing resources and Africans are providing leadership. Local health officials set the strategy and we're supporting them." In partnership with the people of host nations, the Emergency Plan is supporting them in meeting the needs of their nations in a way that is (1) successful and (2) sustainable. This success and sustainability are bringing new hope for the future.

Statement by Secretary Rice | Proclamation by President Bush | "Voices of Hope" | Transcripts: "Ask the White House" - Amb. Dybul | "Ask the Ambassador" - Amb. Bost