McCaul introduces bipartisan bill to put Africa on ‘path from aid to trade’

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on Jan. 20 sponsored legislation to promote, increase and ease two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa.

The bipartisan Prosper Africa Act, H.R. 6455, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), would codify Prosper Africa, an existing interagency initiative to promote, facilitate and increase two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. McCaul’s office.

“Advancing two-way trade and investment between the U.S. and African partners must be a key foreign policy priority,” said Rep. McCaul, ranking member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. “The establishment of the Prosper Africa Initiative in 2019 was an important step, but much more is needed to ensure the U.S. is showing up, competing for these business opportunities, and providing an alternative to China’s Belt in Road.

“I am proud to lead legislation to bolster this important initiative and further sharpen U.S. efforts,” Rep. McCaul said.

If enacted, H.R. 6455 also would advance U.S. commercial diplomacy efforts and support for businesses that want to invest on the continent, compete for business opportunities, and provide an alternative to China’s Belt in Road investments, according to the summary.

Additionally, the bill would promote economic growth to help put Africa “on a path from aid to trade,” and would require a whole-of-government strategy, implementation plan, and monitoring and evaluation of ongoing activities to ensure the initiative is advancing its objectives, the summary says.

H.R. 6455 has been referred to both the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and the U.S. Ways and Means Committee for consideration.