ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13675Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13675

Establishing the President's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa

This executive order creates a 15-member private sector advisory council to counsel the President on expanding U.S.-Africa trade and investment. The council focuses on promoting the Doing Business in Africa Campaign and advising on strategies for American companies to engage with African markets across multiple sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and services.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 46661

Impact dates

  1. Advisory Council automatic termination

  2. Advisory Council establishment

Key directives

  • Secretary of Commerce shall establish Advisory Council not later than 180 days after order date
  • Advisory Council limited to not more than 15 private sector corporate members
  • Members appointed by Secretary of Commerce in consultation with TPCC
  • Secretary of Commerce shall designate Executive Director for the Council
  • Secretary of Commerce shall consult with TPCC on implementation of Council advice
  • Department of Commerce to provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations
  • Council terminates 2 years after order date unless extended by President

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO issuance begins 180-day countdown for council establishment

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of Commerce begins consultation with TPCC on member selection
  • Senior Executive Director designation process

Long term

  • Council operational for 2-year term with potential presidential extension
  • Ongoing advisory role for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement

Risks & tensions

  • No new appropriations authorized; funding constrained to 'existing appropriations' may limit council effectiveness
  • Members serve without compensation or expense reimbursement, potentially limiting participation to large firms that can self-fund
  • Advisory role only—no binding authority on agencies or private sector
  • Vague 'such period as may be necessary' in termination clause creates uncertainty about presidential extension criteria
  • Broad mandate across ten topic areas risks diffuse focus with limited actionable output
Executive Order 13675: Establishing the President's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa · Executive Orders