USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity

🚨 Trade, but not aid! A landmark Workshop in Côte d’Ivoire 🌍 In a milestone event for Côte d’Ivoire’s #trade landscape, USAID West Africa, in partnership with the @U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, hosted a workshop for private sector to unlock the full potential of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). #AGOA is a U.S. trade policy enacted in 2000 to provide eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market, boosting Prosper Africa's efforts in accelerating two-way trade between the U.S. and the continent. The three-day event in #Abidjan from December 10-12, 2024, combined in-depth discussions, a mini-fair, and a field visit, culminating in a renewed commitment to drive structural transformation and strengthen U.S.–Côte d’Ivoire trade relations. One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the decision to establish a National AGOA Network and review the National AGOA Strategy to harness the opportunities and full potential of the Act. ---FRENCH TRANSLATION--- Le commerce et non d’aide: Un événement marquant en Côte d'Ivoire   L'USAID Afrique de l'Ouest, en partenariat avec l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis en Côte d'Ivoire et le Ministère du Commerce et de l'Industrie, a organisé un atelier pour le secteur privé afin de libérer tout le potentiel de la Loi sur la Croissance et les Opportunités Economiques en Afrique (AGOA). L'AGOA est une politique commerciale américaine promulguée en 2000 pour permettre aux pays d'Afrique subsaharienne éligibles d'accéder au marché américain en franchise de droits. 

🔊 Why the Kenyan Coast is Going Coconuts about Kentaste Products Limited Read about Kentaste Products Limited's partnership with USAID Kenya East Africa and Feed the Future, and how this is transforming #coconut farmers' livelihoods along the #Kenyan coast in our inaugural Agrilinks blog! Read and watch video here: https://lnkd.in/ekK4qCHu

🚨INVESTMENT ALERT USAID Kenya East Africa Mission and Prosper Africa through the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity in partnership with CrossBoundary Advisory is proud to have conducted the market assessment and competitive analysis that helped secure a US $9.5 million mezzanine debt investment by AgDevCo into Agventure Limited. This funding will support the expansion of canola oil production under the Kenyan Pure Mountain brand, increasing sourcing volumes from local out-grower farmers. Additionally, the investment will contribute to the development of Agventure Seed’s platform, which provides #farmers with high-quality certified seeds.

♂️ ♀️ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence As part of their broader objective to increase awareness among 22,500 women of reproductive age, Huru International is providing comprehensive education on these critical issues while addressing a particularly distressing challenge: the exchange of sex for menstrual products. Through their partnership with USAID Kenya East Africa, Huru International is reaching women in high-risk industries like horticulture and textiles, where many workers are often young and vulnerable, working to break the cycle of sexual exploitation while promoting gender equality. Through this initiative, the organization is empowering women to take control of their reproductive health and, in doing so, fostering safer, and more inclusive workplaces that promote long-term health and economic stability. #16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse

♂️ ♀️ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence lidsam investment Limited, a Kenyan company owned and led by persons with disabilities (PWD), is committed to enhancing #agriculturalproductivity and #sustainability by integrating smart agricultural practices into the herbs value chain. At the same time, the company is addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and improving the #economicopportunities for women and youth employees. A 2019 World Bank report highlighted that survivors of GBV are less likely to engage in productive work and more likely to face financial hardship. To counter this, Lidsam has implemented a comprehensive training program in partnership with USAID Kenya East Africa that equips affected women with valuable skills, including #conflictresolution, to tackle GBV and enhance their entrepreneurial and financial capabilities. Through this initiative, Lidsam is not only helping women recover from the trauma of GBV but also empowering them to achieve financial independence. 

Opportunity, equity, and dignity! Last Friday, USAID Kenya and East Africa, in partnership with Exotic EPZ Ltd, launched new lactation suites, a transformative step in supporting female employees. This initiative, part of a broader effort to expand economic opportunities for women, is designed to improve productivity, foster inclusivity, and break down gender barriers within Exotic EPZ’s operations.   Exotic EPZ’s CEO, Jane Maigua, emphasized, "We are not just opening a facility; we are opening doors of opportunity, equity, and dignity for the hardworking women who are the backbone of this organization."   The new lactation suites, each accommodating two mothers at a time, will allow at least 32 women to continue working while caring for their children, enhancing both productivity and well-being. Expectant employee Anastacia Wanjiru expressed her excitement for the benefits these facilities will bring when she returns from maternity leave. 

♂️ ♀️ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Acacia EPZ Limited, a processor of food-grade Gum Arabic for export, is making significant strides to address GBV in Northern Kenya. Through their partnership with USAID Kenya East Africa, Acacia EPZ Limited is leveraging their business model and prioritizing the engagement of women and youth in meaningful income-generating activities, the company aims to enhance their resilience and adaptability to the impacts of climate change and the challenges they encounter, including food insecurity and GBV.  Through this new initiative, Acacia is raising awareness and implementing prevention measures within its operations and supply chain. Building on a 2019 gender assessment, the company is conducting a baseline study to examine the prevalence, forms, and risk factors of GBV. They are also rolling out a training program for 2,350 participants, including Trainers of Trainers (TOTs), Dukawala agents, and Gum Arabic farmers, to promote understanding of GBV and strengthen community support systems. Acacia EPZ’s efforts position it as a leader in inclusive business practices and demonstrate the private sector’s potential to drive socio-economic transformation. #16DaysofActivism #EndGBV #NoExcuse

♀️ ♂️ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 🌍 From November 25 to December 10, the world unites for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global call to end violence against women and girls. . According to a World Bank study, one in three women globally — approximately 736 million are affected by physical or sexual violence. The economic toll is immense, costing the global economy $1.5 trillion annually. In Kenya, 45% of women aged 15 to 49 face similar violence, which exacerbates poverty and limits access to education and employment. In response, USAID Kenya East Africa is leading efforts to combat GBV and gender inequality through community-driven, gender-transformative solutions. By partnering with local governments, civil society, and private sector entities, USAID is addressing the root causes of GBV. A powerful example of this work is Soko Kijiji Groceries LTD's partnership with USAID , which is taking action against sexual exploitation and violence in #Kenya’s informal markets, where harassment is widespread. A recent report by Hivos East Africa found that 47% of traders face harassment, with women representing 58% of those affected. Through the Digi Mama Soko project, Soko Kijiji Groceries LTD is empowering small-scale women traders in Nairobi by formalizing and digitizing their businesses. The initiative not only supports 600 women traders but also raises awareness and provides vital information on resources available to those navigating the aftermath of GBV. Soko Kijiji Groceries LTD is also gathering important data on reported GBV cases, contributing to a broader understanding of the issue and helping shape future interventions. For the next few days, we will be sharing insights about our private sector partnerships that support these initiative. #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #GenderEquality #NoExcuse

Lights, Camera, Pitch! 🎤🚀 Day One of the #USAIDLiberia Agribusiness Incubator Pitch Competition wrapped up with 11 of 30 agribusinesses securing grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to scale their innovative businesses. This three-day competition (November 25–27), taking place in the bustling, strategic city of #Ganta, located in Liberia's breadbasket, Nimba County is set to propel Liberia's agricultural sector into a commercialized engine of growth and opportunity! Over the next two days, 20 more businesses with strong, bankable ideas will earn grant awards.   The pitch event marks the Cohort II of the agribusiness activity and a USAID-supported Feed the Future initiative. It follows a rigorous six-month incubation program for 80 selected agribusinesses, equipping them with vital business management and technical skills. While not every participant will receive a grant, all are winners – empowered and prepared to drive growth in Liberia's agribusiness sector. Stay tuned for updates from Days 2 and 3! USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity TRIBE YONER Liberia

🚀 Africa's Technology Sector: A Global Leader in Innovation 🌍 The rapid rise of Africa's #technology sector is undeniable, with the continent positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and socio-economic development. The inaugural YALI Pavilion at the Africa Tech Festival 2024 highlighted this transformation, showcasing the incredible talent and leadership of young African innovators. With the unwavering support of USAID and the YALI Network Regional Leadership Centers, the Pavilion brought together 100 exceptional YALI alumni from 31 countries. This dynamic space featured youth-driven solutions in AgTech, EdTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, with over 4,200 connections and 1,142 meetings facilitated through the Swapcard platform. The Pavilion also provided a powerful platform for early-stage ventures to scale, with 77% of exhibiting businesses operating for less than five years. Notable highlights include companies with a national, regional, and international focus, showcasing the ambitious drive of African entrepreneurs to connect with the world. USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity in partnership with Ndarama Works and Catalyze provided pitch-readiness and B2B engagement support. Junior Agripreneur Hub Africa and DirectEd Development stood out as exemplary exhibitors. Junior Agripreneur Hub Africa shared how the event sparked new partnerships in #AgriTech and digital education, while Moses Kahure of DirectEd Development emphasized the importance of empowering young talent in #coding and #tech literacy. These impactful conversations are creating lasting change, ensuring Africa's youth are equipped for the technology-driven economy.   Matthew Rees, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Africa, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the transformative power of young African #innovators. The Pavilion served as a beacon of inspiration, where youth-driven solutions are directly addressing Africa’s challenges and paving the way for a brighter future.   The stories shared at the Pavilion—of growth, partnerships, and #innovation—demonstrated that Africa’s youth are not waiting for the future—they are shaping it today. With connections and insights from this powerful event, the #YALIalumni are poised to drive meaningful change, scale their impact, and create a sustainable, prosperous future for the continent. Photo Credits: YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa and Ndarama Works #YALI #YALIAlumni #AfricaTechFestival #YALI100