United States-Africa Trade Commission organizes workshop for business leaders, experts to discuss trade challenges, opportunities

The United States-Africa Trade Commission has organized a workshop for discussions for business leaders, trade experts, and government officials on investment opportunities, market access, and regulatory hurdles affecting bilateral trade.

Penpushing reports that the workshop with the theme, Enhancing U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Through Strategic Partnerships”, was held on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The workshop explored strategies for deepening economic engagement, with Nigeria positioned as a central player, for a high-level networking workshop focused on strengthening trade ties between the United States of America (USA) and Africa.

Penpushing further reports that Director of Economy, Trade and Investment at Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Akinremi Bolaji, in his keynote address highlighted the country’s potential as a key trading partner for the America, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

‘Our markets are open, our opportunities vast—from tech to agriculture,” he said, inviting American firms to increase their investments in Nigeria’, Bolaji emphasized

Penpushing also reports that the Director while highlighting the country’s youthful population and natural resource wealth, acknowledged barriers such as infrastructure deficits and regulatory inconsistencies.

The Economy, Trade and Investment boss equally called for a shift from dependence on commodity exports, urging greater investment in value-added industries, stressing that Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials; and need investments in processing and manufacturing to create sustainable growth.

Penpushing reports that on his part, Executive Director of the US-Africa Trade Commission, Engr Titus Olowokere, delivered a presentation on market entry strategies for Nigerian businesses looking to export to the United States of America (USA).

The Chief Executive Officer of the trade commission highlighted the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as a crucial framework for duty-free access to America markets, however, warned that regulatory compliance remained a key challenge.

Penpushing also reports that Olowookere told the participants on need for them to know the rules, meet the standards, emphasisng that with that United States of America (USA) is for them to make breakthrough.

The Executive Director stressed the importance of product certifications, intellectual property protections, and adherence to ethical business practices, as he pointed to digital trade and e-commerce as viable avenues for Nigerian entrepreneurs to tap into America demand.

Penpushing reports that Olowookere in similar vein, provided specific guidance on market research, financing options, and networking with America-based industry associations, explaining that trading with America was not just about transactions, but about building long-term partnerships that drive mutual prosperity.

The Vice President (International Trade) at the US-Africa Trade Commission, Brandon Smith, in his contributions focused on the potential for Nigeria’s service sector in international trade, adding that the increasing global demand for IT services, creative industries, and business process outsourcing are areas where Nigeria has demonstrated significant growth.

Penpushing further reports that he emphasized that United States of America (USA) is hungry for Nigeria’s talent and encouraged them to market it right, and equally called on Nigerian professionals to leverage online platforms and forge strategic partnerships with American firms.

The Vice President pointed out that while regulatory barriers exist, collaboration with United States of America (USA) based entities could help businesses navigate certification requirements.

Penpushing also reports that the event featured keynote speeches and presentations on trade policies, regulatory compliance, and export opportunities, particularly for Nigerian entrepreneurs seeking access to the America market.

The discussions during the networking session revealed ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s business environment, despite the optimistic outlook, while number of participants highlighted unreliable infrastructure, particularly electricity supply, as a major impediment to trade and investment.

Penpushing reports that others raised policy unpredictability and currency volatility issues, which have historically deterred foreign investors, while the speakers emphasised the need for sustained engagement between American and African stakeholders to tackle trade barriers and maximise economic opportunities.

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