05 May 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to be among other heads of state that will attend the 16^th US-Africa Business Summit scheduled to take place in Dallas, USA from May 6 to 9.

A strong contingent of officials and parastatals as well as Botswana companies led by President Masisi will have its presence felt during the four days of this year’s summit.

Doing Business in Botswana forum, which will be led by President Masisi, will be the highlight of the summit.

Presentation on investment opportunities in Botswana will form the core of the forum and will also be addressed by the Minister of Trade, Mr Mmusi Kgafela among other speakers.   This year’s edition comes right on the heels of the Gaborone summit that attracted about 1 300 delegates and held under the theme: Enhancing Africa’s Value in Global Value Chains. During the Gaborone edition of the event last year, leaders called for the renewal of the long-standing Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade deal they argued gave some African countries preferential and tax-free access for exports to the huge US market.

President Masisi supported the stance and led the pleas to have Washington renew the agreement, which will expire in 2025.

However, this year’s meeting is expected to bring more than 1 500 US and Africa public and private sector executives including heads of state, international investors, US and African officials and other stakeholders under one roof.

The primary objective is to enable leaders to connect with government and private sector decision-makers to drive sustainable business partnerships.

The premier event by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is an important platform for deepening US-Africa business ties across key sectors such as Agriculture, Trade, ICT, Finance and many others.

US-Africa Business Summit has over its 30 years of existence forged partnerships, explored new business frontiers and shaped policies that promoted robust trade between the United States of America and Africa. The Dallas summit will be held under the theme: US-Africa Business: Partnering for Sustainable Success. ends