Several African heads of state are in the United States where they will attend the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit that has been convened by President Joe Biden with discussions expected to focus on different topics including trade and climate change.

This is the second such forum. The inaugural and last gathering was held in 2014 and was hosted by former President Barack Obama. This year, the summit is taking place at a time when the continent has established a platform, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This platform was established to help not only grow intra-Africa trade but also help the continent speak with one voice on matters trade. This therefore is an opportune moment for our leaders to leverage it.

Speaking with one voice is necessary for Africa going especially when you look at the minimal impact that was registered by the Africa Growth Opportunity Act, which was adopted by the US Congress in the year 2000 to help foster economic ties between the US and Sub-Sahara African countries.

African leaders must also use the opportunity to push for a better deal in the ongoing climate change financing from developed countries, among many other matters of global concern.

Africa, despite being the least contributor to global warming, continues to disproportionately bear the brunt of climate change, yet it is only receiving a paltry 11 per cent of the necessary funding for climate change mitigation.

All these negotiations will however not yield if the continent does not have a common stand and assert its position on the different matters of global concern.

The summit is also another opportunity for Africa to market itself as a destination for US-based companies engaged in business in different fields and for African firms to seek opportunities in the United States.