Buhari departs for US to attend United States Africa Leaders Summit where he will speak on energy transition

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has left Nigeria for Washington to attend the United States Africa Leaders Summit aimed at attracting  more foreign direct investment into the continent and improving diplomatic relations.

This high level meeting, which shall take place between December 13 and 15, is at the instance of the US president Joe Biden. He added that he looks forward to working with African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the US and the private sector to continue strengthening a shared vision for the future of US-Africa relations.

He added that the event is expected to demonstrate the US' enduring commitment to Africa, and underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. Also, the summit seeks to find pragmatic ways to foster new economic engagement, advance peace, security and good governance.

It will also look at means to reinforce a commitment to democracy and  human rights, as well as work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security. Other areas it will look at include promoting food security, responding to the climate crisis, amplifying diaspora ties and promoting education and youth leadership.

On the first day, President Buhari will speak on the topic Conservation, Climate Adaptation and a Just Energy Transition, dwelling directly on the just energy transition component. He will also address some of the other sub-themes of the summit as well as participate in the US-Africa Business Forum hosted by the US Department of Commerce, which focuses on increased trade and investment between the US and African nations.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Corporate Council of Africa will host the Nigerian delegation to a US-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum Business Roundtable Conference, during which Nigerian organisations and businesses are expected to sign agreements with their American counterparts. President Buhari, who will be accompanied on the trip by Governors Bala Mohammed and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Bauchi and Kwara States.