Over 95% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, and developing countries already account for nearly half of U.S. exports. During the last decade, 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have maintained growth rates between 5 and 7% annually and represent significant opportunities for U.S. exports. One of the Bureau of African Affairs’ key priorities is to identify commercial opportunities for U.S. firms in sub-Saharan Africa, and assist them to take advantage of these opportunities.
The first point of contact for U.S. firms to access U.S. Government international trade assistance services is the Department of Commerce’s Trade Information Center (TIC), which can be reached by phone at (800)872-8723 or via email at tic@trade.gov . Trade Information Center staff can counsel firms on a full range of issues, including identifying promising international markets, trade finance, arranging secure payment methods, and identifying possible distributors in overseas markets.
Additionally, the U.S. Government trade agencies provide valuable business and market information in Country Commercial Guide reports, which are updated and released annually. Reports on over a hundred countries are accessible online through their database at www.buyusainfo.net.
U.S. exporters or investors interested in expanding business in sub-Saharan Africa are also encouraged to contact the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs’ Office of Economic Policy’s Commercial Unit for specialized counseling. Our team can help businesses access U.S. Government commercial services both in the U.S. and in sub-Saharan Africa. The State Department has commercial trade experts in 45 of the 49 sub-Saharan countries and can handle commercial advocacy issues on behalf of the Department of Commerce. As appropriate, Economic Policy Staff can connect U.S. firms with experts at U.S. Embassies in Africa.
For more information please contact AF/EPS Commercial Staff af-eps-commercial-af@state.gov.
