That much can be attested to as the two partners now embark with a new initiative that is geared at improving and promoting trade between Africa and the US; and hopes for a brighter future are splashed all over it.
This comes after revelations on in early December 2017, that the ‘Trade with Africa Business Summit 2018’, which is an inaugural event, will convene global business leaders, change agents and innovators driving digital acceleration, sustainable agriculture, global trade and women empowerment on the continent of Africa.
The aim of the event is to ignite a fresh dialog that educates and showcases effective strategies for increasing trade between the U.S. and African countries.
This event also positions the state of Arkansas as a favorable destination for African business & political leaders looking to create partnerships with the U.S.
In 2000, the United States established the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to support U.S trade with Africa.
Although some level of success has been accomplished, U.S. still engages at less than
2% of total global trade with Sub-Saharan Africa.
On the U.S side there are several constraints including lack of awareness, supporting business data, and misconception and information gap.
On the African side there is lack of information related to available business partnerships and opportunities for African businesses as well as education on ways to secure investments needed to build the level of capacity required to meet U.S standards.
The Trade with Africa Business Summit 2018 provides an effective platform to strengthen linkages by bringing together African and U.S business and political leaders and their supporting service providers.
Bentonville, Arkansas is the home of Walmart, the world’s leading retailer, and is a thriving trade and economic hub and hence the perfect location to establish new trade opportunities.
According to the convener of this event, Toyin Umesiri, CEO Nazaru LLC “The timing is right for U.S businesses to develop an effective strategy towards Africa. By 2050 Africa is projected to have a quarter of the world’s population and currently has some of the fastest growing economies with GDP growth rateof 5% or more.”
Confirmed speakers include Donnie Smith, Former CEO, Tyson Foods; Denise Thomas, Director of Africa Trade Relations, World Trade Center; Scott Ford, CEO Westrock Coffee; Dale Dawson, Founder Bridge to Rwanda; Salim Amin, Chairman Camerapix Kenya; Finn Holm-Olsen, Trade Promotion & AGOA, USAID East Africa Trade Hub; Chris Folayan, CEO Mall for Africa.
Cost to attend the 2 day event is $499 for U.S. based attendees and $750 for international delegates. For more details about this event visit bit.ly/TWA2018 or www.tradewithafricabusinesssummit.com.
