Rep. Jimmy Panetta Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Tech and AI Development with African Partners

Monterey, CA – U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, authored and introduced the Building Resilient Innovation, Digital Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Africa Act (BRIDGE Africa Act), a bipartisan bill which would strengthen technology and artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships between the United States and key African nations.  The bill is co-led by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC).

Africa is experiencing rapid growth in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech and AI sectors. However, the continent continues to face challenges such as limited access to capital, fragmented regulatory systems, and gaps in infrastructure and training.  The BRIDGE Africa Act would address these barriers by fostering sustainable growth through coordinated U.S. investment, digital cooperation, and high-level diplomacy.

“Too often, opportunities for strategic partnership in Africa’s fast-growing tech sector are overlooked due to outdated assumptions and fragmented policy,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Our bipartisan BRIDGE Africa Act would support entrepreneurs, strengthen democratic governance, and open up new markets for U.S. goods and services.  Strengthening these ties will not only promote shared economic prosperity, but also bolster mutual security and digital resilience on the African continent and across the globe.”

"It is critical that African leaders see the U.S. as an ally, as the world turns to Africa for the future of innovation and development.  The Chinese Communist Party is hard at work trying to exploit the people of Africa, and it is key that the U.S. offer an alternative path supporting innovation directly in nations that are eager to work together for a brighter future," said Rep. Wilson.

Key provisions of the BRIDGE Africa Act include:

• Strategy Development: Requires the administration to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy to advance technology and innovation partnerships with select African countries within one year. This strategy will address joint research initiatives, digital training, intellectual property protections, and market access barriers.
• Summit on Technology and Innovation: Directs the Secretary of State to convene a high-level summit in Africa to coordinate investment, promote innovation, and align cross-sector cooperation among governments, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders.

The BRIDGE Africa Act underscores a growing bipartisan recognition of Africa’s economic and technological potential and the strategic importance of investing in resilient, future-facing partnerships on the continent.

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