Africa- Trade with Africa

   We all know Africa is a continent rich with natural resources and profitable business opportunities, but how can these opportunities be fully utilized to benefit its citizens. When we talk about development in Africa, we all focus on creating jobs, education, infrastructure etc. but how do we get there? The govt can't create these alone, as no country is an island in this age of global economy. 
   Well established countries value Int'l trade as a core ingredient in creating opportunities for its people. The trade relationship between U.S and China is undeniably the strongest in the world as almost everything we see in the U.S are "Made in China". How can African countries leverage its resources to improve the economy? Trade!
     Trade brings out investors from all around world to establish businesses in Africa, purchase "Made in Africa" products or support African businesses via provision of expertise. I've watched a lot of African leaders (not just presidents but parliament) speak on development in Africa, only few reference to Trade. We need trade to expose our countries to opportunities that we wouldn't have had the opportunity to.
    However, to get these opportunities, Africa needs to have healthy relationships with the big players like U.S, China, Brazil, India U.K, Canada etc. The manufacturing boom in Brazil, China & India has led to tremendous economic & infrastructural development due to trade. The U.S is putting in concerted efforts to improve the trade relationship with Africa with focus on increasing power through its Power Africa Initiative, Tariff free trade, Africa Leaders Summit, and lots of reduced rate loans to increase business activity. More on here FACT SHEET: The Doing Business in Africa Campaign
   I believe Trade should be a big focus in Africa to improve the infrastructure & jobs we lack. This is a win-win situation for both partners as it creates jobs on both sides. Even the security issues we face can be a great opportunity to invite experts while we have the opportunity to export our products as well.
   I work as a Business Lead via Partners in Food Solutions - a non profit by General Mills, DSM, Cargill & Buhler supported by USAID ( a U.S govt aid organization) to provide business expertise to local businesses in Africa.This is an amazing trade opportunity. An upcoming Start-up in Nigeria that I am working on as well  Tomato Jos is striving to change the tomato processing industry in Nigeria and perhaps export tomato products (more to come on a separate post).

- The most exported product from sub Saharan African continues to be oil from Nigeria & Angola
- China is Africa's biggest trade partner with over $200B, while the U.S is at $85B in 2013

Thanks for reading.
Ony. M