A Kenyan delegation is slated to arrive in Georgia this week for the first in a series of workshops aimed at helping companies and entrepreneurs in that country export to the United States.
The delegates, who will spend their first week at the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center learning about the American market, will be available for meetings with companies in Atlanta, March 1-4.
East African industries represented include coffee, tea, flower, honey and local craft exporters that are seeking U.S. agents and distributors, as well as importers of solar power equipment, who are seeking suppliers.
Several of the participants are also hoping to meet with institutional libraries here to find new sources of books for libraries in East Africa and also to find outlets in the U.S. for African authors.
The East Africa-American Business Council, in cooperation with UGA’s Office of International Public Service and Outreach, is coordinating the delegates’ visit to Georgia, including meetings with local firms.
The two organizations received a grant from the U.S. Department of State last year to train East African entrepreneurs in how to export to the U.S. market.
“Trade statistics show that since its enactment in May 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has created new trading opportunities for African businesses,” said Stephen Seda, executive director of the East Africa-American Business Council. “But the full benefits of AGOA will not be realized unless African businesses and entrepreneurs become more familiar with the American marketplace.”
To set up a meeting with the delegation, contact Mr. Seda at (404) 277-4528 or email him at seda1@eaabc.org