The U.S.-Africa Business Forum hosted nearly 50 heads of state, 50 African delegations and 250 African and American companies who sought to explore ways to expand and deepen commercial relationships between the two regions.
President Joe Biden announced the Digital Transformation with Africa at the forum, which aims to expand digital access and literacy in the African continent, according to a Dec. 16 Commerce Department news release.
“All U.S. businesses should take note of new opportunities for trade, investment and commerce in Africa, spurred by improvements in the business environment, a continentwide free trade area and a new generation of entrepreneurs on the move,” Secretary of State Gina Raimondo said in the release.
She said U.S. government and business officials met African government and business leaders “who see U.S. business as a partner of choice in developing commercial solutions to the continent’s biggest challenges,” such as infrastructure, the digital economy, healthcare, clean energy and creative industries, the release reported. More businesses are understanding they invest in their future with an investment in Africa, Raimondo said.
The two regions have become closer than ever before in reaching the potential of their commercial ties, Deputy Secretary Don Graves said, the release reported. They are meeting the moment with contributions from businesses, investors, members of the African diaspora and African government leaders.
“Laying this foundation for economic sustainability will have far-reaching impact for the continent’s young and rapidly urbanizing population,” he said, according to the release. “The U.S.-Africa Business Forum brought forth productive talks with our African counterparts and serious investments that are only the beginning for the Department of Commerce.”
