    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book I)]
    [June 8, 2005]
    [Pages 964-965]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Videotape Remarks to the People of Africa
    June 8, 2005

        For the past several years, the United States has worked with
    African leaders on bold initiatives to encourage reform within the
    continent. Our goal is to improve the lives of the African people, and
    our partnership is yielding results. The economies of many African
    nations are growing. And in sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, economic
    growth is now at its highest level in 8 years.
        The growth of your economies has been helped by strong trade ties
    between our continents. Last year, I signed the African Growth and
    Opportunity Acceleration Act, which will continue to reduce barriers to
    trade, increase exports, create jobs, and expand opportunity for
    Africans and Americans alike. This agreement is giving American
    businesses greater confidence to invest in Africa. It also encourages
    African nations to reform their economies. And the law is producing
    results: Last year, U.S. exports to sub-Saharan Africa increased 25
    percent, and America's imports from AGOA countries rose 88 percent.

        This success reflects the growing consensus in both Africa and the
    United States that open trade and international investment are the
    surest and fastest ways for Africa to make progress. AGOA nations are
    strengthening the rule of law. They are lowering trade barriers. They
    are combating corruption and protecting workers and eliminating child
    labor. They are setting an important example for the entire continent,
    demonstrating that governments that
    respect individual rights and encourage the development of their markets
    are more likely to grow economically and achieve
    political stability.

    [[Page 965]]

        As we increase trade, we are also reforming the way we deliver aid.
    For too many years, our assistance to Africa was sent without regard to
    results. Under my Administration, U.S. development aid to African
    nations has increased, but we are not just giving more aid; we are being
    wiser about how it is spent.
        The idea is based on common sense: Aid works best in countries that
    are proving their commitment to govern justly, respect the rule of law,
    invest in their citizens, and open up their economies. When nations do
    these things and expand freedom and opportunities to all their citizens,
    entire societies can be lifted out of poverty and despair. In 2002, we
    launched the Millennium Challenge Account to provide aid to poorer
    nations based on these principles. In April, Madagascar became the first
    country to sign a Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and
    I am confident that other African nations will follow.
        At a time when freedom is on the march around the world, it is vital
    that the continent of Africa be a place of democracy and prosperity and
    hope, where people grow up healthy and have the opportunity to realize
    their dreams. Africa is a continent of promise, and the United States
    wants to help the people of Africa realize the brighter future they
    deserve.

    Note: The President's remarks were taped at 11:05 a.m. in the Map Room
    at the White House for broadcast on Voice of America's radio and
    television stations beginning June 8. The transcript was released by the
    Office of the Press Secretary on June 10.