Cameroon President Paul Biya and his wife Chantal arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 to attend the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

President Barack Obama is gathering nearly 50 African heads of state in Washington for an unprecedented summit.

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit — which will mark the first time an American president will convene Africa’s leaders at one conference — faces major hurdles, including the ongoing distraction of conflicts elsewhere and domestic budget constraints.