Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, is visiting Dakar, Senegal from November 2-8 to attend the Dakar Biennale. This event is one of Africa's largest arts festivals. Accompanying her is Kevin Young, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and a member of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement.

The United States holds the position of Guest of Honor at this year's Biennale. It will host a national pavilion featuring works by seven U.S. artists under the theme “The Work of the Wake.” These pieces delve into cultural connections between the United States and Africa, showcasing diverse expressions of identity and cultural heritage. Both Assistant Secretary Phee and Director Young will emphasize cultural exchanges' significance and highlight U.S.-Senegal partnerships.

In addition to participating in the arts festival, Assistant Secretary Phee will lead a commercial diplomacy delegation aimed at introducing American companies to Senegal. She will meet with Senegalese government officials and private sector stakeholders alongside Rahama Wright, Founder and CEO of Shea Yeleen and Co-Chair of the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa. The delegation includes several distinguished U.S. companies seeking to expand investment and commercial ties with Senegal.

For more information, contact AF-Press at AF-Press@state.gov or follow updates on Twitter/X @AsstSecStateAF and Facebook at DOSAfricanAffairs.