The Star’s digital deputy editor Nancy Agutu had her moment at the White House when she got a chance to ask President Joe Biden a question during a news conference.
Agutu noted that Africa has been asking the US to lead the way and double its contribution to the World Bank’s development assistance, to help developing countries access more financing to alleviate debt distress and tackle climate change
“What is your commitment on this?” she posed.
The US President, in his response, said they have already committed to double their efforts to ensure African countries have access to financing.
“We have said the United States is a long champion of financial institutions that provide low-cost concessional resources to developing countries including from the IMF," Biden pointed out.
"To that end, my administration has helped design and establish a new initiative that provides low-cost funding to countries that are taking steps to enhance their resilience."
Biden said US partners in Africa need to invest in their future.
“We stand with them and that is why we worked with Congress to enable the United States to make available in the coming weeks up to $21 billion in new lending resources to the IMF and Trust Fund for concessional lending to the poorest countries,” the US President said.
“It is like having a girl when you are in debt and want somebody to help you out. That is what this is all about.”
He added that the US has also doubled its commitment to the International Development Assistance.
“We are proud to be working alongside Kenya to support global financing and practices that will support the most vulnerable address their investment needs,” he said.
