BRIDGE Africa Act
Sponsored By: Representative Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
Introduced
Summary
A U.S. strategy to boost Africa's tech and entrepreneurship. This bill would require a coordinated, multi-agency plan plus an Africa-based summit to expand investment, digital skills, joint research, and AI partnerships.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
U.S.-Africa tech plan to aid entrepreneurs
If enacted, the State Department, with Defense and Treasury and in consultation with U.S. Africa Command, would have to send Congress a strategy within one year. The plan would grow tech and AI ties with African partners, including jobs, joint research with universities, digital skills, cybersecurity, and IP education. The Secretary of State would also need to host a summit in Africa within one year to coordinate and start the plan. A report to Congress would be due within 180 days after the summit ends. The bill would allow the government to spend whatever money is needed to run the plan, the summit, and related programs.
Who counts and which countries qualify
If enacted, the bill would set who and what is covered. It would name eight covered countries: Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia. The Secretaries of State, Defense, or Treasury could add more partner countries. It would define United States person, and use existing laws to define artificial intelligence and critical technologies. It would also define advanced technology as innovative tech not widely used. These rules would guide which people, countries, and tech could take part.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
SC • R
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov