On August 1st & 2nd, 2019, business leaders, trade experts, investors, and policymakers will convene at the Trade with Africa Business Summit 2019 in Chicago Metropolitan; a vibrant trade an economic hub. The 2nd edition is themed: Growing U.S. – Africa Trade, Trade Financing & Developing Africa’s Supply Chain.
Here are 5 reasons why you do not want to miss this incredible and unique event:
Trade not Aid: Over the past 20 years, Africa’s policy leaders have built and strengthened political relationships in Washington, DC which has led to an overall increase in U.S. foreign Aid toward the continent. In recent times, however, the conversation has rightly shifted from capturing Aid to Trade but the accompanying strategy must also shift. The biggest gap is that Africa’s leaders must begin to establish strong partnerships with the U.S. business community outside of Washington to truly capture trade. Trade opportunities abound outside of D.C. because corporate America is stronger in trade opportunities while Washington remains the political epicenter.
Content: Agenda for the event is structured around igniting trade conversations and facilitating actionable dialogue both in the context of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). We know that Africa offers a new export market for U.S. manufactured products. Similarly, the U.S. serves as an untapped market for authentic African products—raw and manufactured. For leaders interested in export and import, sustainable agriculture, supply chain, technology innovation, women’s empowerment, health and education, this conference offers unique opportunity to capture ideas that can be replicated to fast track trade with the region. The U.S. still engages at less than 2% of total global trade with Sub-Saharan Africa and there is room to grow these numbers.
Location: As Africa’s policymakers and business leaders race to strengthen economic ties with regions around the world, the Chicago Metropolitan area and the state of Illinois offer unique trade opportunities. With global Fortune 500s representatives of hundreds of major consumer products companies calling this region home, there is no other community in the world with such a concentration of trade decision-makers.
China, Latin America, India all have a strong presence in the region. This event and platform hope to serve as a gateway for Africa’s businesses looking to expand their reach through mutually beneficial trade and sales of products and services.
Speakers: With over 40 speakers scheduled to present from all over the world, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear from the most brilliant minds “solving for Africa”. Our speakers are globally recognizable figures with a wealth of knowledge on what success looks like in the world of trade.
Networking: Africa is home to 1.1 billion people and by 2050, the population is projected to double and become one of the world’s largest productive youth workforce. Africa has 60% of the world’s uncultivated land mass and with manufacturing steadily shifting to Africa, the timing is right for business leaders to develop effective strategies towards the region. This event provides a front row sit to leaders looking to learn and engage with the region’s strategic leadership.
Toyin Umesiri, CEO Nazaru & Convener: Trade with Africa Business Summit.
