[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 23 (Monday, June 13, 2005)]
[Pages 968-969]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

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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.
    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.