FACACLASSIC

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DOS - 84692 - President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States - Presidential

GENERAL INFORMATION

Committee Name	President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States	Agency Name	Department of State
Fiscal Year	2025	Committee Number	84692
Original Establishment Date	6/9/2023	Committee Status	Terminated
Actual Termination Date	1/20/2025	Committee URL
Actual Merged Date		Presidential Appointments*	No
New Committee This FY	No	Max Number of Members*	12
Terminated This FY	Yes	Designated Fed Officer Position Title*	Senior Foreign Affairs Officer
Merged This FY		Designated Federal Officer Prefix	Mr.
Current Charter Date	6/9/2023	Designated Federal Officer First Name*	Matthew
Date Of Renewal Charter	6/9/2025	Designated Federal Officer Middle Name
Projected Termination Date	1/20/2025	Designated Federal Officer Last Name*	Becker
Exempt From Renewal*	No	Designated Federal Officer Suffix
Specific Termination Authority	Executive Order 14148	Designated Federal Officer Phone*	202 647-1790
Establishment Authority*	Presidential	Designated Federal Officer Fax*	N/A
Specific Establishment Authority*	The Advisory Council is established by the Secretary of State as directed by in Executive Order 14089.	Designated Federal Officer Email*	beckerma@state.gov
Effective Date Of Authority*	6/9/2023
Exempt From EO 13875 Discretionary Cmte	Not Applicable
Committee Type*	Ad hoc
Presidential*	Yes
Committee Function*	Other Committee

RECOMMENDATION/JUSTIFICATIONS

Agency Recommendation*	Continue
Legislation to Terminate Required	Not Applicable
Legislation Status	Not Applicable
How does cmte accomplish its purpose?*	The PAC-ADE is advancing the dialogue between the United States Government and the African Diaspora since being sworn-in by Vice President Harris in October 2023. PAC-ADE's engagements led impactful programs and initiatives designed to strengthen cultural, social, political, and economic ties between African communities, diaspora, and the United States. Below is a summary of the Council's work in 2024: In January, PAC-ADE organized a sports diplomacy delegation to the African Cup of Nations tournament in Abidjan. Two-time WNBA all-star and ESPN broadcaster Chiney Ogwumike led the delegation, accompanied by four-time Olympic gold medalist and basketball hall of famer Lisa Leslie and U.S. women’s national team soccer star Crystal Dunn. The delegation engaged with government officials, international partners, civil society, and Ivoirian youth to strengthen ties between Americans and African partners. In March, PAC-ADE hosted its first plenary meeting at Spelman College, adopting programs focused on student exchanges between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and African education institutions. The Council called on the Administration and Congress to support AGOA renewal and fund climate-focused initiatives in Africa; to facilitate townhall meetings between the Council and African diaspora community groups; to improve visa processes for African travel to the United States; and to strengthen investments and collaboration in the African creative industries. These recommendations will be included in the PAC-ADE’s first report to the President. While in Atlanta, Council members toured the Carter Center and participated in a roundtable discussion on election monitoring and governance and democracy trends in Africa. They concluded with a U.S. Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event to foster economic engagement. In April, PAC-ADE member Patrick Gaspard and CEO of the Center for American Progress joined the delegation to the third session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) in Geneva and delivered an intervention on equal access to education and strategies to advance equity and opportunity for African Diaspora communities. In May, PAC-ADE member and Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle opened her campus to host part of the Atlanta program of the Kenya State Visit. Representatives of both governments gathered to discuss investments in higher education and educational partnerships in STEM that contribute to Kenya’s economic growth. During this event, President Ruto; USAID Counselor Clinton White; Presidents of HBCUs, and representatives from Microsoft and Mastercard signed a framework of cooperation agreement to support new partnerships to drive innovation, research, and job growth in STEM-related fields in Kenya and across the continent. The agreement included the launch of EdTech Africa, a $1.5 million public-private partnership program, recommended by PAC-ADE, to promote STEM educational exchanges and workforce development opportunities. In July, PAC-ADE engaged in high-level discussions in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. In Lagos, Dr. Helene Gayle signed a partnership between Spelman College and a consortium of Nigerian universities to further education exchange programs in STEM and creative industries. PAC-ADE members facilitated a youth basketball clinic with NBA Africa and the OBN Basketball Academy; participated in discussions on investments in energy, infrastructure, and options for boosting socioeconomic development beyond remittances; and engaged with Nigerian musicians, actors, and filmmakers on the opportunities and challenges of Africa’s creative industries. In Abuja, meetings with the Foreign Minister and other senior Nigerian officials reaffirmed our commitment to strengthen cultural ties with Nigeria, America’s largest African Diaspora population. The group discussed how to leverage expertise to address challenges in health, climate change, and economic growth. A visit to a USAID-supported healthcare center highlighted ongoing collaborations in improving health outcomes for Nigerians. Council members also discussed the impact of climate change in Nigeria during a meeting with the One Campaign and heard stories from Nigerian Youth Champions on their efforts to take this on, among other challenges. Following the Council visit, the Vice President wrote to PAC-ADE members to thank them for following through on her call to elevate African engagement, particular in the digital economy. PAC-ADE held its third meeting of the year on October 8. The White House Office of Public Engagement facilitated the meeting, which was virtual and open to the public. The Council reviewed its engagements and accomplishments to date. Members made statements and reflected upon their experiences in their first year on the Council. Members highlighted the importance of making cultural connections, the unique ability of the United States to play a role in advancing African technology and businesses, the need to promote more deliberate institutional capital investment, and a shared desire to see Africa truly transform and reach its full potential. Members remarked on the significant potential of new education partnerships being piloted and how these can serve as building blocks for so much more in the future. Multiple members expressed a desire to do more about connecting Black-owned businesses with African partners in the second year. For priority areas in the second year, Council members noted a task force with members of the private sector will be launched to develop initiatives and programs to harness the impact of remittances. Think tank, nonprofit, and private sector representatives, students, and other members of the African diaspora joined the virtual meeting and had the opportunity to make comments and ask questions of Council members after the plenary session meeting wrapped up. A Kenyan-American student remarked that young student leaders need to be integrated into U.S.-Africa policy discussions, since they are the future leaders and policy makers of Africa. Others highlighted opportunities to collaborate in promoting businesses in specific countries, the future of finance and trade in Africa, and the importance of the Council continuing to enhance engagement with Africans in the United States and Africa. PAC-ADE leadership expressed its openness to partnering with other organizations and institutions and directed audience members to reach out directly with any requests or proposals. Press coverage of PAC-ADE's work to date has been positive. The Department staff managing PAC-ADE's work regularly receives invitations for PAC-ADE participation in African diaspora events across the country and requests from individuals and organizations eager to collaborate. PAC-ADE is a resource for increasing U.S. engagement. The Council members leverage their platform and relationships to benefit the United States and the African Diaspora.
How is membership balanced?*	The Department will continue to follow the plan outlined below when members of the next cohort for PAC-ADE are selected. The groups/entities represented on the Advisory Council to achieve a balanced membership consists of not more than 12 members, appointed by the Secretary of State, who are representatives of and reflect the diversity of the African Diaspora from African-American and African immigrant communities. This includes individuals who have distinguished themselves in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. The Advisory Council will be composed of either Special Government Employees (SGE) or representative members. If an individual has expertise that will be valuable to the Advisory Council and does not represent any particular organization, they will be appointed as an SGE. Appointments to the Advisory Council shall be made without regard to political affiliation. In addition to the above factors, the Department in making appointments to the Advisory Council seeks to have a mix of representative members using the following criteria: a. Gender equity — members should represent gender diversity; b. Regional diversity — members should be selected from around the United States; members should not be Washington centric; including members of various African diaspora groups to encompass African-Americans—descendants of enslaved Africans, and African immigrants; c. Generational diversity — members should represent generational diversity; d. Professional diversity —as stated in Executive Order 14089 members should reflect the diversity of individuals who have distinguished themselves in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. The Department of State Bureau of African Affairs, in coordination with the National Security Council and the Domestic Policy Council at The White House will be involved in recommending the most qualified individuals for nomination review. The Secretary of State will make the final selections for appointments. When deemed necessary for subsequent nominations, the Executive Director of the Advisory Council may seek nominations from existing Advisory Council members or release a Federal Register notice to solicit nominations. The process for assuring the appropriate balance on any subcommittee shall be the same process for the full the Advisory Council as outlined above. It is State Department policy that members be selected without regard to religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, color, or any other factor irrelevant to an individual’s performance on an advisory committee.
How frequent & relevant are cmte mtgs?*	The Advisory Council met three times in 2024 (March, July, and October) and will plan to meet a minimum of three times in 2025 as well, or more frequently if needed. If any subcommittees or working groups are created, they will meet as appropriate for their assigned responsibilities. The Chair presides over all meetings of the Advisory Council and any subcommittees. Council meetings in 2024 were integral to the PAC-ADE's success, giving members time to engage with each other, as well as representatives from government, think thanks, private sector businesses, students, and other members of the African diaspora.
Why advice can't be obtained elsewhere?*	This is the first President's Advisory Council of its kind on this subject. In its first year, PAC-ADE proved to be an invaluable resource in enhancing the dialogue between the United States government and the African Diaspora in the United States.
Why close or partially close meetings?	N/A
Recommendation Remarks	While the Advisory Council was created to advise the current President, through the Secretary of State, and then through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (APDP), on strengthening connections between the United States Government and the African Diaspora in the United States, as described in the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub‑Saharan Africa. The incoming President recommended termination of the committee effective 1/21/2025.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Outcome Improvement To Health Or Safety*	No	Action Reorganize Priorities*	No
Outcome Trust In Government	No	Action Reallocate Resources	No
Outcome Major Policy Changes	Yes	Action Issued New Regulations	No
Outcome Advance In Scientific Research	No	Action Proposed Legislation	No
Outcome Effective Grant Making	No	Action Approved Grants Or Other Payments	No
Outcome Improved Service Delivery	No	Action Other	No
Outcome Increased Customer Satisfaction	No	Action Comment	Council was only recently convened for the first time less than a month ago.
Outcome Implement Laws/Reg Requirements	Yes	Grants Review*	No
Outcome Other	No	Number Of Grants Reviewed	0
Outcome Comment	Outcome major policy change: The formation and work of the Council to date has strengthened public diplomacy efforts across the board, including in sports diplomacy. PAC-ADE member Chiney Ogwumike led a delegation of sports envoys and U.S. officials that traveled to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire on January 11, 2024, for the Africa Cup of Nations, Africa's largest sporting event. The delegation showcased U.S. investments in Cote d'Ivoire and engaged government officials, international partners, civil society, and Ivoirian youth. Outcome Implement Laws/Reg Requirements: The Council is involved in ongoing implementation of the regulations laid out in Executive Order 14089, the establishment of the PAC-ADE, and providing information, analysis, and recommendations that address the following topics: (i) strategies to advance equity and opportunity for African Diaspora communities, including through efforts coordinated by the Domestic Policy Council under Executive Order 13985 of January 20, 2021 (Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government); (ii) ways to support the United Nations’ Permanent Forum on People of African Descent; (iii) programs and initiatives to strengthen cultural, social, political, and economic ties between African communities, the global African Diaspora, and the United States, such as the Young African Leaders Initiative, and address challenges and opportunities to advance inclusion, belonging, and public awareness of the diversity, accomplishments, culture, and history of the African Diaspora; (iv) programs and initiatives, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program, to expand educational exchange programs between Africa and the United States; (v) programs and initiatives to increase public- and private-sector collaboration and community involvement in improving the socioeconomic well‑being of African Diaspora communities; and (vi) programs and initiatives, such as Prosper Africa, to increase participation of members of the African Diaspora in the United States with regard to trade, investment, economic growth, and development programs relating to Africa.	Number Of Grants Recommended	0
Cost Savings*	Unable to Determine	Dollar Value Of Grants Recommended	$0.00
Cost Savings Comment	N/A	Grants Review Comment
Number Of Recommendations*	8	Access Contact Designated Fed. Officer*	Yes
Number Of Recommendations Comment	The Council adopted 7 recommendations during its plenary session meeting on March 18, 2024 and one recommendation during its October 8, 2024 meeting. Recommendations adopted for 2024: 1. Support for programs focused on student exchanges for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African education institutions. 2. Calling for more U.S. Government policy support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) 3. Calling for funds for climate-focused initiatives in Africa 4. Facilitation of a platform for holding PAC-ADE townhall-style meetings with African diaspora community groups 5. Improving visa processes for those on the continent to travel to the United States 6. Strengthening investments and collaboration in the African creative industries 7. A proposed Council trip to Nigeria 8. The creation of a working group focused on streamlining remittances, with participation from the private sector, including financial technology companies.	Access Agency Website	Yes
% of Recs Fully Implemented*	12.50%	Access Committee Website	Yes
% of Recs Fully Implemented Comment	The PAC-ADE successfully completed its first visit to the African continent, from July 14-17, marking a significant milestone in U.S.-Africa relations. The delegation engaged in high-level discussions and participated in events in Lagos and Abuja that focused on strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria through diaspora-led initiatives. The rest of the recommendations are either partially implemented or have not been started yet.	Access GSA FACA Website	Yes
% of Recs Partially Implemented*	37.50%	Access Publications	No
% of Recs Partially Implemented Comment	Support for student exchanges: USAID has hired its implementing partner for the EdTech Africa initiative, a public-private partnership program recommended by the PAC-ADE to promote STEM partnerships between HBCUs, the Open University of Kenya, Mastercard, and Microsoft. Stakeholders have convened to discuss technical specifics and there is a co-creation workshop planned for early December 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. Remittances working group: PAC-ADE's Executive Director participated in preliminary discussions with other U.S. government agencies and private sector partners in October 2024 and is planning on convening a meeting of the full group before the end of the year to discuss next steps on potential development of new remittance platforms. AGOA Policy Support: PAC-ADE's recommendation to call for more support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) helped lead to the introduction of new bipartisan legislation called the African Growth and Opportunity Act Renewal and Improvement Act of 2024 by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and James Risch (R-Idaho), which would extend AGOA until 2041 and improve the program to encourage sustainable development, regional integration, and stronger relations between the United States and countries in sub-Saharan Africa.	Access Other	No
Agency Feedback*	Yes	Access Comment	PAC-ADE had a dedicated page on the Department of State's website, as part of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit webpage, which was regularly updated with announcements, event notices, and summaries.
Agency Feedback Comment*	The Department of State is supportive of the recommendations the PAC-ADE has made to date.	Narrative Description*	The purpose of the Council is to help strengthen the dialogue between United States officials and African Diaspora by elevating engagement through collaboration, partnership, and community-building among the United States, Africa, and other nations globally. The Advisory Council shall advise the President, through the Secretary of State, and then through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy (APDP), on strengthening connections between the United States Government and the African Diaspora in the United States, as described in the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub‑Saharan Africa.

COSTS

1. Payments to Non-Federal Members*		1. Est Paymnts to Non-Fed Membrs Nxt FY*
2. Payments to Federal Members*		2. Est. Payments to Fed Members Next FY*
3. Payments to Federal Staff*		3. Estimated Payments to Federal Staff*
4. Payments to Consultants*		4. Est. Payments to Consultants Next FY*
5. Travel Reimb. For Non-Federal Membrs*		5. Est Travel Reimb Non-Fed Membr nxtFY*
6. Travel Reimb. For Federal Members*		6. Est Travel Reimb For Fed Members*
7. Travel Reimb. For Federal Staff*		7. Est. Travel Reimb to Fed Staf Nxt FY*
8. Travel Reimb. For Consultants*		8. Est Travel Reimb to Consltnts Nxt FY*
10. Other Costs		10. Est. Other Costs Next FY*
11. Total Costs	$0.00	11. Est. Total Next FY*	$0.00
Date Cost Last Modified	3/12/2025 10:06 AM	Est. Fed Staff Support Next FY*
Federal Staff Support (FTE)*		Est Cost Remarks
Cost Remarks

Interest Areas

Category Area Education Education Sports Health Sports Trade International Commerce and Investment

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