U.S.-Africa Trade Commission Hosts Strategic Workshop to Strengthen Economic Ties
By Matthew Eloyi
The U.S.-Africa Trade Commission convened a high-impact Business Networking Lunch-Hour Workshop in Abuja, focusing on “Enhancing U.S.-Africa Trade & Investment Through Strategic Partnerships.”
With Nigeria at the centre of discussions, the event provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking among entrepreneurs, trade experts, and government officials.
Held at the ENVOY Hotel in Abuja’s Central Business District, the workshop attracted a diverse audience eager to explore opportunities for deepening economic collaboration between the United States and Africa.
Ms. Taiwo Adekanye, Managing Partner of JD Global Light Consult Ltd, opened the event with remarks emphasising the significance of strategic alliances in international trade.
“This is about more than trade—it’s about building a future of shared prosperity,” she stated, underscoring the role of the private sector in fostering U.S.-Africa business connections.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, Director of Economy, Trade & Investment at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, positioned Nigeria as a crucial player in U.S.-Africa trade relations.
Speaking on “Strengthening U.S.-Africa Trade Ties: Opportunities for Business Growth and Economic Transformation,” he highlighted the vast potential of Nigeria’s markets, boosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Our markets are open, our opportunities vast—from tech to agriculture,” Ambassador Bolaji said, inviting American businesses to explore Nigeria’s investment potential.
He acknowledged existing challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles but stressed that recent policy reforms had improved the ease of doing business in Nigeria and other African nations.
Ambassador Bolaji further urged African economies to diversify beyond traditional exports such as oil and minerals, advocating increased investments in value-added industries to create sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Titus Olowokere, Executive Director and CEO of the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Trading with the USA: Opportunities, Regulations, and Compliance Imperatives.” He provided entrepreneurs with a roadmap to accessing the U.S. market, emphasising the benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free entry for eligible African products.
“Know the rules, meet the standards, and the U.S. is yours to conquer,” Dr. Olowokere advised, offering actionable guidance on compliance, certifications, and logistics. He outlined key opportunities for African businesses, particularly in textiles, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing, while also stressing the importance of understanding U.S. import regulations and ethical business practices.
Adding another dimension to the conversation, Mr. Brandon Smith, Vice President (International Trade) of the U.S.-Africa Trade Commission, explored the opportunities for exporting Nigerian services to the United States. His presentation highlighted Nigeria’s strengths in IT, entertainment, and professional services, citing Nollywood’s global influence and the rise of tech startups.
“The U.S. is hungry for Nigeria’s talent—market it right, and you’re in,” he remarked, encouraging businesses to leverage outsourcing trends and build strong U.S.-facing brands. He identified key service export sectors, including software development, content creation, business process outsourcing, and online education, as areas ripe for growth.
The event’s networking session provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions, fostering partnerships that could drive future trade deals. Conversations spanned tech exports, energy collaborations, and investment prospects, with discussions touching on Nigeria’s power infrastructure as a critical factor in sustaining trade success.
The workshop concluded with a resounding call for action, urging stakeholders to build on the momentum generated by the discussions. “This wasn’t just lunch—it was a springboard,” one participant noted, emphasising the workshop’s role in shaping future business collaborations.
The event reinforced the message that while trade opportunities between the U.S. and Africa are vast, translating them into tangible results will require sustained commitment, strategic planning, and cross-border partnerships.