The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking to expand this country’s agriculture export opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. This agency news release says a trade mission will go to Accra, Ghana, Nov. 17-20.
“Two years ago, I led a mission to southern Africa to launch USDA’s Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Initiative, which aims to expand U.S. agricultural and commercial ties in the region,” [Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta] Harden said. “I am excited to return to Africa with a new group of U.S. agricultural leaders to further explore market opportunities, especially for small, minority and women-owned businesses.”
The delegation will meet with potential customers from more than a dozen countries across sub-Saharan Africa, forging relationships and learning about the market conditions and business environment in the region. This first-hand intelligence will help them develop strategies to start or expand sales to these key markets.
Participants will include representatives from companies representing a wide array of U.S. food and agricultural products, as well as leaders from state departments of agriculture and U.S. agricultural organizations.
USDA says its strong economic outlook, a growing middle class, and surging demand for consumer-oriented foods makes sub-Saharan Africa one of the fastest-growing regions for U.S. agricultural exports.