Laura Bush and first lady Toure Lobbo Traore discuss the Millennium Challenge Compact between the U. S. and Mali during Mrs. Bush's visit to Bamako, Mali. The compact supports a $460 million grant to support Mali's agrobusiness development, airport modernization and an industrial zone development.

Read the first lady's journal about Mali

See Laura Bush in Zambia

Read her thoughts on her Zambia visit

Check out photos from her previous trips to Africa

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Credit: Shealah Craighead