During US President Bill Clinton's 23 March to 2 April tour of Africa, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act passed by the US House of Representatives was a frequent topic of discussion. It elicited a range of reactions, from expressions of support to criticisms of its focus, with repeated calls for complementary action on such vital issues as debt relief, continued development assistance, and measures to strengthen Africa's production and trade capacities. The following are excerpts from some of the statements:
South Africa: Deputy President Thabo Mbeki, in a 26 March radio interview: "Clearly the overwhelming majority of African countries continued to require development assistance.... So we have been speaking out against the reduction of aid to the African continent.... It's wrong, it doesn't help.
"But also, of course, it's important to open up the markets of the developed world, to the products that come from these poor African countries....and not try and treat them as though a country like the United States can enter into an equal bargaining posture with Burkina Faso. They are two unequal entities....
"So trade, yes, but with particular focus on a framework which says trade and development.... You've got to work very hard...on the matter of attracting investment into the African continent, so that you're not just talking about opening up of markets, including the African markets, to products from sophisticated economies, but you're also increasing the capacity of the African economies to produce something that they can export, other than raw materials."
President Nelson Mandela, at a 27 March press conference with President Clinton, in response to a question about the US bill: "This matter has been fully discussed between President Clinton and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. And I faithfully endorse the point of view that was placed before the President by the Deputy President.... This is a matter over which we have serious reservations, this legislation. To us, it is not acceptable."
Ghana: President Jerry Rawlings, welcoming President Clinton on 24 March: "This continent is ready and able to do business in today's liberalized and competitive market place.... Globalization has become a factor of our time. However, some aspects of the present international economic order tend to obstruct our efforts and have led to the increasing marginalization of many of our countries from the opportunities for growth and development.
"It is my hope that your new initiatives will offer sub-Saharan Africa a real chance to be integrated into the world economy, to share in the benefits of growth through trade and investment. It is also my hope that through your leadership, the rest of the Group of Seven industrialized nations will work in partnership with the developing countries to enhance the opportunities which will enable our countries to sustain the momentum of economic reforms."
Senegal: President Abdou Diouf, at a 2 April ceremony with President Clinton: "I would like to emphasize your concrete commitment to help Africa to move toward a more stable, prosperous and democratic future.... The United States' commitment with Africa, which translates into an increase...in aid in 1998, is a source of hope and encouragement to African governments. The confidence that we see here is the best way to free Africa's 'sleeping potential'; the awakening of that potential will bring Africa into an era of growth, progress and prosperity. Why not dream that the solidarity you are displaying with us will give birth to what I would gladly call a 'Clinton Plan'? You have the heart for it, and your country has the means."
Entebbe summit: Following a summit meeting in Entebbe, Uganda, on 25 March, a joint declaration of principles was signed by President Clinton, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, President Pasteur Bizimungu of Rwanda, President Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, President Laurent Désiré Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia:
"The Heads of State and Government affirm the African Growth and Opportunity Act as a major step forward in US-African economic relations, but acknowledge that this effort to provide greater market access for African goods must be complemented by efforts to increase African capacity to diversify economies and produce exportable goods....
"In recognition of the African desire for increased self-sufficiency and the dangers of aid dependency, the Heads of State and Government agree that an accelerated effort should be made to use foreign assistance as a tool for the enhancement of trade, investment and capital formation, as well as for sustainable economic development.
"The Heads of State and Government recognize the continuing obstacle that the debt burden poses to Africa's economic transformation, and reaffirm their collective determination to fully implement innovative approaches to the management and lessening of the debt burden."
