Trade and Investment
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With unparalleled expertise in fostering trade and investment ties between the U.S. and Africa, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) stands as a unique force in promoting economic integration and cooperation. Our dedicated team has played a pivotal role in shaping key U.S. policies, such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Prosper Africa, and supporting the development of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This monumental agreement is set to revolutionize Africa's market landscape, creating a unified commercial space that presents vast opportunities for American and African enterprises alike. CCA acts as a crucial conduit, uniting government leaders and businesses to navigate and capitalize on these emerging opportunities in diverse sectors and markets.
Over three decades, CCA has cemented its legacy as a catalyst for enhancing U.S.-Africa commercial relationships, evidenced by our pivotal role in convening 15 U.S.-Africa Business Summits, co-hosting the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, and facilitating AGOA Private Sector Dialogues. These platforms have not only fostered direct dialogue between senior officials and business leaders but have also spotlighted specific opportunities across critical sectors and countries. Our efforts extend to organizing trade missions, providing thought leadership, and influencing policy through strategic advocacy. Currently, CCA is championing initiatives to broaden U.S.-Africa trade and investment ties further, including supporting AGOA's renewal and contributing to AfCFTA negotiations. These endeavors aim to sculpt a strategic U.S.-African trade and investment partnership that leverages Africa's burgeoning market potential and fosters regional value chains.
AGOA Private Sector Forum
Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.S. Department of Commerce hosted the 21st AGOA Private Sector Forum, which was held in person and online on July 24, 2024. The theme of this year’s Private Sector Forum was “Setting the Stage for the Next Phase in the U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Partnership,” which recognized that this year’s Forum took place at an important confluence of several important developments, including the continued advance of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), the introduction of African Union programs to support manufacturing in sectors like automotives and health care, and global shifts in manufacturing to improve supply chain security. These developments make it more important than ever to consider the role of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in supporting greater trade and investment ties between the U.S. and Africa as AGOA’s current authorization expires in 2025.Click here to view the readout.
Watch the Forum by clicking the links below.