The President Joe Biden Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE) has disclosed a delegation set to participate in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This collaboration involves the U.S. Department of State, Global Engagement Center (GEC), and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
The delegation consists of sports envoys and the United States officials. The event is scheduled for the 11th of January 2024.
The primary objective is to harness the strength of the African diaspora, showcasing U.S. investments in Côte d’Ivoire.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to strengthen cultural and economic ties among African communities, the global African diaspora, and the United States.
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Members of the AFCON delegation
- Chinenye Ogwumike, PAC-ADE Member, Two-Time WNBA All-Star and ESPN Host
- Lisa Leslie, Four-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Basketball Hall of Famer
- Crystal Dunn, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Star
- Daniel Kimmage, Principal Deputy Coordinator, GEC
- Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director, PAC-ADE
In Abidjan, the delegation will interact with government officials, international partners, and civil society to foster collaboration and understanding.
Additionally, they aim to leverage sports as a unifying force, strengthening ties between Americans and Ivorian youth in the process.
This initiative was announced by President Joe Biden and Secretary Blinken in September 2023.
They highlighted PAC-ADE’s crucial role in providing guidance to fortify cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the United States and Africa.
Moreover, it also promotes trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa.
As the delegation prepares for its diplomatic mission, the United States conveyed their best wishes to the 24 Africa Cup of Nations teams.
The U.S. acknowledged the event’s significance in promoting international unity and collaboration on the diplomatic stage.