Notes from the Field: First Trip to the African Union

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – January 23-30, 2012: During Jennifer Gross’s first trip to Africa in 2012, while in Mali with Jeff Sachs, Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the United Nations on the Millennium Development Goals, he presented her with a rare opportunity to join him at the African Union to discuss with African leaders, “Boosting Intra-African Trade.”

The African Union (AU) was established to accelerate the process of bringing the countries on that continent together towards playing a larger role in the global economy. The AU’s main objectives include promoting unity and solidarity among African States; coordinating and intensifying cooperation for development; safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and promoting international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.

“We had the great fortune of attending the first African Union Summit in the new building the Chinese had built,” said Jennifer. “Truth be told, we were the only Americans in the entire building. It was astounding to me that the Chinese as a world power were investing so much in Africa, and I was embarrassed that the United States didn’t have a larger interest in policy there. It was very telling that the Chinese had an overwhelming presence while discussing matters of trade in Africa”

During its 19th Ordinary Session in July 2012, Jennifer witnessed the AU adopt a decision which addresses the challenges of intra-African trade, infrastructure and productive capacities through the establishment of a Pan- Africa Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). The CFTA will will turn fifty-four single African economies into a more coherent, larger market. The sheer size of the single market with a combined population of more than one billion people and a combined gross domestic product of more than US $3.4 trillion will provide more significant gains than what is possible under existing individual country approaches to development.

“This trip definitely shaped my future experience within Africa. I realized my contributions would be affecting policy making at the highest level. After spending three weeks in the field and spending time with children, students, farmers, business men and women, it became critical to facilitate policy that would protect and enhance their well being and to continue working with governments of various African countries. I’m proud to be a global partner in development.”