Change is sweeping across the continent of Africa, but the way the U.S. does business with the continent hasn't kept up. The African Investment and Diaspora Act (AIDA) will empower Africa and the African Diaspora in the U.S. to take part in the continent’s economic development through TRADE. 

For years, African economies have suffered for a lack of access to opportunities, training, capital and relationships that can help them become self-sufficient—often causing instability and political unrest. Given that economic empowerment and security go hand in hand, the AIDA Bill is one that benefits both Africa and the United States. According to the World Bank, Africa is on track to make a speedier recovery from the global recession than the U.S. In fact, African economies are growing significantly above global average rates, as high as 13% in some countries. Return on investment in some African companies has averaged nearly 30 percent annually over the past several years.

Unfortunately, the United States has fallen far behind the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) in developing beneficial trade relationships with the continent—a fact that has caused it to lose out on opportunities to bring jobs to the United States and gain more access to Africa’s rich natural and human resources. With almost 1 billion consumers in Africa, there are a wealth of opportunities to create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

If your care about jobs in the U.S. and creating opportunities for African economies to gain self-sufficiency, then help get Bill H.R. 656 passed. It will:

• Appoint a Special Representative for U.S.-Africa Trade, Development, and Diaspora Affairs within the State Department;

• Facilitate and increase the number of international learning exchange, professional, training, and educational programs between Africa and the United States;

• Establish a publicly accessible database through which U.S. and African businesses, academics, and organizations can communicate;

• Consult with African governments and key stakeholders in the U.S. with respect to matters of trade, economic development, and African-African Diaspora relations.

Join us in getting this milestone legislation—introduced by Congressman Bobby Rush—passed in Congress. Sign this petition and let's send a message that it’s time for Africa to benefit from more trade than aid. 

Read the full bill.
 

AIDA SUPPORTERS
African American Unity Caucus
African Diaspora for Change
African Union
Alliance of Nigerians in the Diaspora
Cameroon American Council
Constituency for Africa
Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago
NMBC Global, National Minority Business Council, Inc.  
Organization of African Entrepreneurs & Professionals
Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation—Africa Trade Office 
South Africa