Washington D.C. – On Tuesday, July 3, 2024, African Union Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafutdze, visited Mayor Muriel Bowser at her office in the Wilson Building. The meeting included Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of State for the District of Columbia, and other representatives and staff from the Mayor’s office. Their discussion focused on strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations between African nations and the U.S. capital.
The meeting was followed by a brief press conference where Diplomatic Watch Magazine posed questions to both leaders.
Mayor Bowser spoke about DC’s efforts to build stronger connections with African embassies and communities. She mentioned the city’s large Ethiopian population and recalled a 2019 delegation to Ethiopia that established sister-city relationships and fostered cultural and business exchanges.
Hon. Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington D.C., answering questions from Diplomatic Watch during the visit of H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafutdze, African Union Ambassador to her office. @MayorBowser @KimberlyBassett @AfricanUnionUS @_AfricanUnion @PatrickRealiza @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice… pic.twitter.com/vK6wPOyySV
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) July 5, 2024
Expanding on these efforts, Bowser stated, “We share the Ambassador’s goal of supporting the Diaspora here,” Bowser said. “Our aim is to ensure all residents benefit from the city’s opportunities in healthcare, workforce, and culture.” The Mayor added that DC’s diversity is a key strength, celebrated throughout the city.
Building on the theme of collaboration, Hon. Bowser expressed interest in facilitating business collaborations, student exchanges, and tourism promotion between DC and African nations. She also noted her growing understanding of political environments in partner cities and countries.
Shifting the focus to economic ties, Ambassador Suka-Mafutdze discussed plans to enhance economic ties between African nations and the United States. She referenced the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in late 2022 as a starting point for renewed relations. “President Biden announced support for Africa’s G20 membership, which has now been realized,” the Ambassador stated.
H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafutdze, African Union Ambassador to the US, discussing strategies to enhance Africa-US relations during her visit to the Mayor of D.C. on Tuesday. @MayorBowser @KimberlyBassett @AfricanUnionUS @_AfricanUnion @PatrickRealiza @JanDuPlain @dcmayorsoffice… pic.twitter.com/b5DO3IQGv7
— DiplomaticWatch (@Diplo_Watch) July 5, 2024
Suka-Mafutdze mentioned ongoing initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and efforts to bolster Africa’s position in global economic forums. She stressed Africa’s focus on education, particularly in STEM fields and digital transformation, to prepare workers for future job markets.
“This year is dedicated to educating Africans for the 21st century,” the Ambassador explained. “We’re collaborating with the U.S. on digital transformation and STEM education to strengthen the African workforce.
As the meeting drew to a close, Ambassador Suka-Mafutdze and Mayor Bowser exchanged gifts, symbolizing the goodwill and cooperation between the African Union and the District of Columbia. This gesture of friendship was followed by a photo session, capturing the spirit of collaboration that defined the meeting.
Today, my office facilitated a meeting with the Ambassador of the African Union to the U.S., Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the embassies and residents of the Diaspora who live here in the District. 🌍 #WeAreDC pic.twitter.com/QvCsApb7kd
— Secretary of District of Columbia (@SecretaryofDC) July 4, 2024
