US, Africa Moves To Deepen Economic Ties.
By Ferdinand Olise
The President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Travis Adkins, will visit Nigeria from October 16-20, 2023, for talks on how to deepen economic ties between the US, and the African continent
This is contained in a Press statement by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, on Sunday October 15, 2023.
According to the statement, Adkins visit follows the recent trips of the U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, in September, 2023, and also the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Marisa Lago’s Global Diversity Export Initiative Trade Mission, in August, 2023.
The USADF President and Chief Executive Officer Adkins’ visit underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment, announced at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in 2022 towards deepening economic engagement, trade and investment ties with the continent.
The USADF is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises, and social entrepreneurs.
According to the statement, USADF’s investments increase incomes, revenues, and jobs by promoting self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty.
Meanwhile, Adkins will in Abuja engage with USADF grantees in the agricultural value chain, and learn about the impact of USADF’s work in tackling food insecurity, improving rural farmer livelihoods, and boosting the growth of agricultural enterprises.
In addition, he will meet with the Green Village Energy Projects Limited, a USADF grant recipient, and discuss the U.S. government support for expanding electricity generation in underserved communities through sustainable business models.
Also, in Lagos State, Adkins will deliver remarks at the All-On/USADF Conference, focusing on increasing access to energy.
He will then tour the Sunhive Limited project site, another USADF grantee which specializes in renewable energy.
The President and Chief Executive Officer will also visit the Field of Skills and Dreams Academy, where he will meet with the beneficiaries of the Lagos State-USADF Employability Program, that seeks to enhance and broaden vocational training initiatives to ensure that the Nigerian workforce possesses the requisite skills for a rapidly evolving job market.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Ady’s Food Mart, a Lagos-based agro-processing enterprise founded by an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Adkins will underscore the significance of seed funding in supporting women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
Speaking on his upcoming visit, Adkins said that Nigeria houses the USADF’s largest country program, and encompasses the core programming pillars of agriculture and food security, women and youth entrepreneurship, vocational training and job creation, renewable energy access, and support for creative industries.
“I am excited to embark on my inaugural trip to Nigeria in my capacity as President/CEO of USADF. Nigeria holds tremendous significance on the African and global stages and is a critical partner of the U.S. government in the region,” P/CEO Adkins said. “We look forward to a vibrant week of engagements with USADF grantees and partners, U.S. Embassy and Consulate counterparts, and officials from the Government of Nigeria.” he said.
