H.R. 4610: Building Resilient Innovation, Digital Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Africa Act

The Building Resilient Innovation, Digital Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Africa Act, or BRIDGE Africa Act, aims to enhance technological and business development in African countries through a comprehensive strategy. This strategy focuses on fostering public and private investments to support entrepreneurship and technological progress in Africa. The key actions proposed in this legislation include:

Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Technology

The Act emphasizes the importance of the U.S. playing an active role in supporting the rapid growth in entrepreneurship, technology, and AI across Africa. It recognizes that:

• Africa is experiencing significant progress in innovation that can drive local economies.
• U.S. investments can foster these developments while enhancing diplomatic relationships.
• Investments in technology can bolster regional security and counter threats from terrorist organizations.
• Strengthening trade relations can benefit U.S. exports in relevant sectors.

Development of a Strategy

Within one year of the Act's enactment, the Secretary of State, alongside the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Treasury, must formulate a strategy aimed at:

• Increasing collaboration with African partners to uncover new investment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Supporting African businesses in launching and expanding sustainable ventures.
• Addressing economic barriers that currently impede U.S. investments in African technology sectors.
• Facilitating education and training in technology and entrepreneurship.
• Identifying means of collaboration to enhance economic growth and innovation.

Summit Organization

The legislation mandates the organization of a summit within one year to coordinate the implementation of the developed strategy. This summit will convene representatives from allied African nations and U.S. partners, focusing on:

• Identifying areas of interest in technology and innovation.
• Exploring resource integration and investment prospects.
• Addressing challenges to successfully execute the strategy.

The summit will take place in an African nation chosen by the Secretary of State, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to working closely with African partners.

Report Submission

After the summit, a report will be provided detailing:

• The outcomes of the summit and areas for improvement.
• Recommendations for future summits.
• Findings on increasing investments within Africa's technology sector.

Definitions Included in the Act

The bill defines specific terms relevant to its implementation, including:

• Advanced technology: Technology that supports innovative products, services, or processes that are not widely utilized.
• Artificial intelligence: As defined in existing legislation.
• Covered countries: Examples include Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia, among others.
• Critical technologies: Technologies of significant importance to national security and economic integrity.

Funding Authorization

The legislation authorizes necessary appropriations for carrying out the provisions of the Act, ensuring resources are allocated for its initiatives.

Relevant Companies

None found