Blog August 2012

Sub-Saharan Africa is a continent of opportunities for U.S. businesses with overall projected growth rates of approximately six percent in 2012 – some of the highest in the world. In looking at the world’s ten fastest growing economies from 2001 – 2010, six were in Africa. This trend accelerates in 2011-2015 with seven of the ten world’s fastest growing economies being in Africa. In the World Bank’s Doing Business 2012: Doing Business in a More Transparent World an impressive 36 out of 46 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa improved business regulations this year – a record number since 2005. Of the economies that improved the most in the ease of doing business in 2010/2011, with improvements in three or more areas of regulation measured by Doing Business, four of the twelve are Sub-Saharan African countries.

Mrs. Kimberly Marcus has joined the senior leadership team of MBDA as Associate Director for Legislative, Education and Intergovernmental Affairs. In this role, Mrs. Marcus will serve as the principal advisor on legislative and intergovernmental issues. She will also oversee the Agency’s relationships with federal, state and local elected officials and its advocacy and outreach strategies.

“Kimberly Marcus is well-suited for this position in light of her experience in corporate and community relations with a special emphasis on economic development and diversity. Her first-hand knowledge of the trials, tribulations and successes of being a business owner will also add to her effectiveness,” stated Hinson. “I am delighted Kimberly is going to share her talents with MBDA and look forward to her contributions.”

Prior to this appointment, Mrs. Marcus was National African American Outreach Director for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) where she worked diligently within the African American community to emphasize the importance of the African American vote. Marcus has also worked for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, serving as Executive Director of its Public Policy Institute’s Government Relations office; and for the NAACP as Director of Economic Development. Even when Mrs. Marcus worked in the private sector at Strategic Research Institute and Bank of America, she was a champion for minorities and employees.