President Obama delivered a speech at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia 28th of July 2015. He said he was honored to be the first American president to address the African Union. He spoke about the dignity of the African people, and how the United States would work together with them to create a better future by pursuing projects that would lift many people in Africa out of the poverty in which they live their lives.

The president said that he had recently signed the ten year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act that provides for, among other things, enhancing trade relations between Africa and the US. He pledged to support the fight against the AIDS virus and African countries’ efforts to bring electricity to their citizens.

He also spoke about the importance of resisting corruption and authoritarianism while maintaining peaceful and democratic governance on the African continent. President Obama stressed the significance of improving the lives of the women and girls of Africa, eliminating the use of rape as a tool of war. He said that all people should work together to promote the education of Africa’s young people so that they will be ready to take their place in an entrepreneurial future.

Read President Obama’s complete speech at Voa News “Text of President Obama’s Remarks at the African Union.”