Press Releases

On May 15^th, 2025, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Yvette D. Clarke, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Gregory Meeks, and Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) hosted a meeting with ambassadors of several African countries and representatives from the African Union to discuss a variety of topics including strengthening U.S.-Africa relationships and the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

The CBC reaffirmed our longstanding commitment to advocating for the continent, recognizing that Africa’s future is directly tied to the future of our global diaspora. The Ambassadors reiterated their strong appreciation for the partnership that the CBC has maintained with many countries on the continent for decades. In addition to preserving our partnership, the Ambassadors noted their concerns with President Trump’s recent actions to minimize federal government operations that have resulted in heavy cuts to foreign aid. The domino effect that these decisions will have on their countries is of top concern across the continent, as many countries in Africa are not prepared to lose U.S. aid. 

An additional priority discussed in the meeting was the renewal of AGOA. The renewal of AGOA is critical for continued investment in the growth of African nations. Without a sustainable trade framework, many countries will suffer irreparable consequences. In general, many Ambassadors noted that they would like to increase both public and private investments in African countries, so they are seen as locations for business development, just as many other countries across the globe. The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to centering issues of importance to the African continent in this Congress and beyond.

CBC Members in Attendance:

• Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chair, Congressional Black Caucus
• Rep. Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member, House Committee on Foreign Affairs 
• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
• Rep. Ilhan Omar
• Rep. Jonathan Jackson

African Ambassadors and Representatives of the African Union in Attendance: 

• Ambassador of Rwanda and Vice Dean of African Ambassadors, H.E. Mathilde Mukantabana
• Ambassador of the African Union, H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze
• Ambassador of Morocco, H.E Youssef Amrani
• Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. David Kerich
• Ambassador of Djibouti, Mohamed Doualeh
• Ambassador of Mozambique, H.E. Alfredo  Nuvunga
• Ambassador of Botswana, H.E. Mpho Mophuting
• Deputy Chief of Mission of Madagascar, Ms. Amielle Niriniavisoa Marceda