Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to this press conference. On behalf of the entire Biden-Harris administration, I’m really thrilled to be here at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, to be here among my colleagues. I will try to keep my remarks brief before turning it over to each of my colleagues to share their deliverables and what comes next in more detail.
There was a lot of hope – as I said, hope that in the years to come there would be increased trade and investment; that Africa would become even more of a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. And I don’t need to tell any of you that getting there hasn’t been without challenges.
And so, in the last year and a half alone, we’ve supported and helped close to 547 new deals, for a total estimated value of over $14 billion. We’ve helped increase digital infrastructure, transportation, and clean energy projects across the continent. We’ve worked to increase our engagement with the African diaspora. And it was interesting seeing that.
Last night, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. We were singing happy birthday to Alice. I thought it was her birthday. And then I’m like, oh, yes, the MCC.