Emerging Africa: Unleashing Africa’s Innovation Potential

Posted by Kris Balderston / May 10, 2012

In this photo taken, Nov. 8, 2011, a woman poses with her Blackberry mobile phone in Johannesburg. The woman says she cherishes her phone as a link to family and friends, and also sees it as a radio, a library, a mini cinema, a bank teller, and more. [AP File Photo]

In the last week, I've travelled from Johannesburg to Cape Town to Addis Ababa. Along the way, I've been struck over and over again by the ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and innovation of the people I have met -- from townships to capital cities, from villages to major metropolises. Innovation parks are taking a place next to factories, investment banks next to mobile phone banking kiosks, and internet startups next to mom-and-pop store fronts. As I touched down in Ethiopia for the World Economic Forum on Africa, I was struck by the thought: Africa is emerging.

Buoyed by a decade of growth and bullish predictions for the future, Africa is on track to become the next big investment destination. The Economist indicates that six of the… more »

Posted under: Africa

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The Tunisian Example

Posted by Kris Balderston / February 29, 2012

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks with civil society members in Tunisia. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

Last weekend in Tunis, Secretary Clinton made a powerful statement supporting the revolutions that continue to impact North Africa and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on backing the Syrian people in their ongoing struggle for freedom. One particular moment in her remarks stood out to me, which was her praise for the people of Tunisia, where the revolutions were first sparked. She said, "I think it was quite remarkable, especially on such short notice -- and thanks to Tunisian leadership and Arab League leadership -- that all of us gathered here today reached consensus."

I saw this same leadership firsthand when the Global Partnership Initiative hosted the Tunisia Partnerships… more »

Posted under: Near East and Asia

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Honoring American Diaspora Leaders With Roots in the Horn of Africa

Posted by Kris Balderston / February 03, 2012

Composite image of leaders in American Diaspora communities with roots in the Horn of Africa, recognized as Champions of Change by the White House on January 30, 2012. [White House photos]

This week, I joined the White House in honoring 14 leaders in American diaspora communities with roots in the Horn of Africa as Champions of Change. These leaders are helping to build stronger neighborhoods in communities across the United States, and are working to mobilize networks across borders to address global challenges.

Prior to the event, I had the pleasure of hosting these remarkable individuals for lunch at the State Department, with support from the International diaspora Engagement Alliance (IdEA). Throughout our lunchtime conversation, I was continually struck by the passion, expertise, insight, and personal commitment of each and every Champion,… more »

Posted under: Africa

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2011: The Year in Global Partnerships

Posted by Kris Balderston / January 01, 2012

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with Chef José Andrés, Culinary Ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on September 13, 2011. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]

In 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton continued to champion cross-sectoral partnerships as a cornerstone of her 21st Century Statecraft. In support of her priorities, the Global Partnership Initiative (GPI) focused on four flagship initiatives last year:

Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves

Over the past year, our work on clean cookstoves has continued to thrive. In 2011, we built the Alliance infrastructure and strategic base, launched major communications initiatives, and began a wide range of operational priorities, much of which was either led by the U.S. government or made possible because of our strong commitment.

In May,… more »

Posted under: Behind the Scenes

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