USAID West Africa Trade Hub to connect with private sector at major regional agriculture event
November 22, 2019
The USAID West Africa Trade and Investment Hub will build valuable connections with agricultural sector as a sponsor, participant and exhibitor at the Agra Innovate West Africa event in Lagos, Nigeria, Nov. 25 and 26.
Trade Hub Chief of Party Michael Clements will be sharing his perspectives on a panel titled “Finance as a catalyst for the development of the food supply chain in Nigeria,” which is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 3:50 p.m. at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. Clements has more than 11 years of experience in leading projects in trade and value chain development.
The Trade Hub will also have an exhibit on the main floor from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Agra Innovate West Africa, in its sixth year, is expected to draw more than 4,000 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors from across the region.
The Feed the Future West Africa Trade and Investment Hub Activity, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, will work across the West Africa region to attract finance and investment, build links among businesses and supporting institutions, and strengthen the agricultural and trade sectors in Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and other West African countries.
As it begins its efforts to catalyze economic growth in West Africa through a market-based approach, the Trade Hub is actively working to foster partnerships with the private sector to expand business operations, increase productivity, and create jobs that build on the talents and aspirations of West Africa’s growing youth population.
The Trade Hub’s activities will promote inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for West African women and youth to raise their household incomes, gain new skills and start and grow small businesses as potential and active grantees. The project will also leverage other private entities interested in investing in youth or women to co-create sustainable initiatives for long-term youth and women’s employment.
USAID Trade Hubs across the continent have been instrumental in promoting regional economic integration and securing investment for many of Africa’s nascent and growing industries. To date, the Trade Hubs have generated some $600 million in investment, and that number continues to grow. They are a cornerstone of the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act and key catalysts for U.S.-African trade.
Learn more about the Trade Hub here.