Africa Update from the Office of Rep. Karen Bass
In May, President Obama nominated Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be the next Assistant Secretary for African Affairs. Thomas-Greenfield, a career Foreign Service Officer, previously served as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources and has a storied career working to promote U.S. interests on the African continent. From 2008 to 2012, she served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of African Affairs from 2006 to 2008, and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration from 2004 to 2006.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield understands the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Africa relationship and is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities that the continent offers to our nation’s strategic interest. At her Senate nomination hearing, she noted the economic progress of many nations in Africa. “We are beginning to see visible evidence of parallel gains in economic growth and economic development on the continent. Africa is booming in nearly every sector… At the same time, we will need to continue efforts to encourage American businesses to actively participate in Africa’s economic renaissance.” The Ambassador also expressed her commitment to reducing trade barriers between the United States and Africa and to promote the continent as a place where U.S. companies can make profits. “Our businesses understand the importance of respecting international norms, and I will strive to ensure that U.S. companies operating in Africa are treated fairly and are given every opportunity to compete in the marketplace.”
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