U.S/UK Niger Investment Forum Shows Niger is Ready for Business

Bisa Williams, U.S. Ambassador to Niger, drums up investor support (US Embassy London)

Ambassador Williams on Pro-Business DVC (Niamey US Embassy photo)

The week-long Forum held in London opened new doors to investment in Niger for American and British companies.

The U.S./UK London Niger Investment Forum from June 11-14 demonstrated American and British interest in creating good will and stronger ties with Niger.  Ambassador Williams’ participation and energetic USG efforts to recruit American companies to the Forum raised the profile of the Forum, which attracted over 300 participants, including some 20 American companies.  UK-U.S. cooperation on the Forum was a successful experiment, marrying U.S. experience and capacity (notably that of Embassy Niamey and the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in London, Paris and its successor in Dakar) to develop creative collaboration attracting American exporters and potential investors to Niger.

American firms indicated that USG involvement in the Forum at the organizational level and Ambassador Williams’ availability throughout the week gave them the confidence to take a closer look at Niger.  American companies that participated in the Forum had access to President Issoufou and his staff at one or more of the “special invitation” events.  One American executive said the Forum was an excellent occasion to increase his company’s contacts and reinforce its credibility in the market.  Nigerien officials came prepared to present their case for investment and trade, and were thrilled by the pragmatic responses of the American companies who were ready to talk details, take measurements, and find new business opportunities.
  

Ambassador Williams discusses Global Economic Statecraft Day, AGOA, U.S./U.K. Forum, and U.S. economic initiatives in Niger.  Ambassador Williams' OpEd in the local newspapers has the potential to reach millions.  It is an opportunity to focus on our economic agenda as a integral part of American foreign policy.

Click here to listen to Ambassador Bisa Williams Interview with BBC WS