The Department of State’s role in Africa is to represent the United States Government and further American foreign policy objectives on the continent. Africa-related expenditures can be divided into four major areas: salaries and operating expenses; acquisition, development, and construction of buildings abroad; the Exchange of Persons Program; and other expenditures. Salaries and operating expenses for personnel and activities concerning Africa are discussed below under the section on the Bureau of African Affairs. Acquisition, development, and construction of buildings abroad expenditures are outlined under the country summaries in which the expenditures occur. (Country summaries appear in the Africa Bureau section). The Exchange of Persons Program is described under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Other expenditures include the involvement of State Department Bureaus, such as the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, among others, in African affairs, and are discussed under the appropriate bureau headings. The Agency for International Development (AID), a semi-autonomous agency within the State Department, carries on extensive programs in Africa. AID involvement in some 28 African countries is discussed following the State Department bureau descriptions below.