Photo by: Bloomberg
Representatives of more than 100 US companies will descend on South Africa this week to gauge possible trade and investment opportunities, the US Embassy said on Tuesday.
The companies, from 25 states, are part of the US Department of Commerce’s Trade Winds – Africa mission, which aims to create network opportunities between US businesses and those on the continent.
“Africa is on the forefront of an economic emergence that will shape the world’s business environment for years to come,” said Marcus Jadotte, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis.
“The United States and the US business community see Africa as an important partner.”
The delegation, which is in South Africa from Wednesday to Friday, will participate in business-to-business meetings, as well as a business forum where Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Parks Tau will be present. The forum is to include speakers from top US and African companies, including McKinsey, Sasol, and the Ford Motor Company.
South Africa is the first of eight stops on the continent for the mission. The delegation will also visit Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.
“American companies are innovative and produce quality goods and services, but what really separates most of them is a desire to make an impact,” said US Regional Senior Commercial Officer Donald Nay.
“US companies leave behind trained workforces and improved infrastructure, among other benefits.”