On August 4, US president Barack Obama celebrated his 55th birthday. On the eve of this event, Obama spoke to a group of young African leaders.

The US president held his annual “Town Hall” with the Young African Leaders, which has come to be known as YALI, in Washington.

The YALI programme – which is now in its seventh year – was established by Obama to strengthen US-Africa ties, but to also create a platform for young African leaders to benefit from training and forums in the US.

Working similar to an exchange programme, the YALI participants – taken from various countries on the continent – spend the (US) summer in the States. They are placed at various universities across the country where they attend Summer School, obtaining certificates in a range of courses. Part of the process involves talks, tours and obviously the one they look forward to – the Town Hall with president Obama.

This year, Obama was greeted by songs of “Happy Birthday” by the 1 000 strong YALI Fellows.

After thanking them for the singing, Obama gave the opening address to the Town Hall, which was followed by a question and answer segment.

President Obama focused on the fact that he had paid specific attention to the US-Africa relationship. He mentioned how, in his time in office, he had been to sub-Saharan Africa four times – more than any sitting US president.

He continued to comment on the “unprecedented prosperity or opportunity” in Africa as  the continent had grown significantly in various areas including technology, medical practices, among other areas.

The US president also acknowledged many of the YALI Fellows’ call for more “trade not aid” – in a push to make Africa more of a “partner” in the relationship with the US than anything else.

Before closing his opening remarks, Obama acknowledged that “democracy is hard everywhere” – referring to the various challenges he has faced in office during his time. He also alluded, very briefly, to the current US presidential election.

Despite the differences in the two camps, Democrats and Republicans, both parties agreed on the important role of Africa in the US and the world over, according to Obama.

Take some time and have a look at the full Town Hall Session below – you won’t be disappointed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Yi5hSPWPyg