Obama to host African leaders summit

President Obama will host the first-ever summit of African leaders in Washington, the White House announced Tuesday.

{mosads}The summit, scheduled for August 5th and 6th,  seeks to build on Obama’s trip to Africa last year to strengthen trade and economic ties with a region that’s projected to grow at a 6.1-percent clip in 2014, according to the latest projections from the International Monetary Fund. It will also touch on security concerns plaguing Africa, notably the conflicts in South Sudan and the Central African Republic that have seen the engagement of U.S. troops and aircraft.

“President Obama looks forward to welcoming leaders from across the African continent to the Nation’s Capital to further strengthen ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions,” the White House said in a statement. “The Summit will build on the progress made since the President’s trip to Africa last summer, advance the Administration’s focus on trade and investment in Africa, and highlight America’s commitment to Africa’s security, its democratic development, and its people.”

The country’s first black president has taken flak for taking only two trips to Africa during his five-year tenure, preferring to turn the government’s attention to Asia and negotiate trade pacts with Europe and Pacific Rim countries. He unveiled a new initiative to support democracy and access to electricity during his trip to South Africa last year, including a $7 billion pledge for his Power Africa effort.

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