The Africa-America Institute (AAI) launched its inaugural Conversations on Africa Series forum with a panel discussion, “AGOA 2015: Positioning Renewal to Ensure Better Human Capacity Training”, on June 12 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Michael A. Battle, Senior Advisor, U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit provided an overview of the summit.

Prior to The White House’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in early-August, panelists from the U.S. government, private sector and diplomatic corps offered a preview into solutions on harnessing the tremendous economic potential and impact of AGOA in driving innovation and job creation on the African continent. The panel discussion also explored whether the renewal of AGOA can close the “skills gap” by expanding educational opportunities and training to strengthen Africa’s human capital and enable trade and investment to flourish.

The Honorable Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations and Ambassador Michael A. Battle, Senior Advisor, U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit delivered opening remarks.

Kamran Khan, Vice President of the Department of Compact Operations, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) served as the moderator. Panelists included: Witney Schneidman, Non-Resident Fellow, Africa Growth Initiative, The Brookings Institute; Steve Hayes, President and CEO, The Corporate Council on Africa; Steve Lamar, Executive Vice President, American Apparel & Footwear Association; The Honorable Florizelle Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative; and Gregory Simpkins, Majority Staff Director, House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.

Watch a video of the entire panel discussion!