Two U.S. officials visited two countries in Africa recently to strengthen the commercial and economic relationship between the United States and the African continent.
Marisa Lago, the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade in the Department of Commerce (DOC), visited Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Tanzania, Feb. 5 through Feb. 8 and Lusaka, Zambia, Feb. 8 through Feb. 11., the DOC announced Feb. 13. Michael Gonzales, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Zambia, joined her in Lusaka, according to the report.
“Tanzania and Zambia are two markets that have experienced incredible economic growth, and the opportunities are immense for U.S. companies seeking to reach new customers," Lago said in the report. "The United States is eager to partner with these governments and companies across the region to advance mutual goals of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
In Tanzania, Lago met with American and Tanzanian business representatives to identify opportunities for increased bilateral trade and investment, the DOC reported. She also visited the Tanzanian National Assembly and held bilateral meetings with several officials to discuss the business environment and areas of cooperation.
In Zambia, Lago and Ambassador Gonzales met with President Hakainde Hichilema and other government officials to discuss ongoing opportunities for increased bilateral trade, according to the report. They explored the potential for a U.S.-Zambia Commercial Memorandum of Understanding, modeled after existing memorandums with other African nations.
Lago also hosted a roundtable with women entrepreneurs and met with government officials and key leaders from several ministries to discuss areas of cooperation on technology and trade, the release reported.
The visit highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the U.S.’s economic relationship with Africa, according to the release. By engaging with government officials and business representatives, Lago aimed to identify opportunities for increased bilateral trade and investment, job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
