Frank Garcia, Asst. Sec. of State for African Affairs on Future of U.S.-Africa Commercial Diplomacy

Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia joined a CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program event to discuss the future of U.S.-Africa minerals diplomacy. He outlined his first months in the role, citing recent trips to Zambia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and emphasized a “trade not aid” policy focused on commercial opportunities.

The event, held September 18, 2026, convened senior U.S. and African government officials, industry leaders, and investors to examine how public and private capital can advance projects across Africa’s minerals value chain.

Sources: CSIS (YouTube)