USA appoints A. Robinson as new Prosper Africa Coordinator

The United States Agency for International Development, USAID, announced Wednesday the appointment of a former deputy coordinator of Private Sector Program at the State Department, British A. Robinson, as the new coordinator of Prosper Africa (the U.S. Government initiative to increase trade and investment between African nations and the United States).

Robinson, according to the agency, will collaborate closely with the White House National Security Council and the 17 participating U.S. federal agencies, including USAID, to advance the U.S. Government’s Strategy for sub-Saharan Africa, and implement commitments “from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022”.

“She will work with businesses, investors, and government leaders here in the United States and in Africa to build upon crucial partnerships with nations across the continent that are already confronting some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as the climate crisis, extreme poverty, and hunger,” the agency added.

The 56-year old woman is described as a visionary leader and social impact champion with decades of experience in public-private partnerships, corporate social responsibility, public health, education, and government relations.

She has long years of experience under her belt. She recently served as President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, and she was the founding CEO of the Women’s Heart Alliance.

She also worked as Deputy Coordinator/Director of Private Sector Engagement for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) at the Department of State, where she oversaw partnerships with businesses and investors to strengthen the world’s largest global health program devoted to addressing HIV/AIDS.

“I am proud to serve as the Prosper Africa Coordinator. I look forward to fostering transformative partnerships with businesses and investors across the U.S. and African countries”, Robinson said after her appointment. Prosper Africa seeks to work with African government and private sector partners to foster healthy business climates, and identify and promote new market opportunities.