|
The Trade for African Development and Enterprise (TRADE) Initiative, launched in October 2001, promotes African participation in the global trading system. It does this by strengthening the ability of African businesses to develop their exports for trade, improving the environment for business and trade, promoting regional integration and cooperation, and helping African countries integrate trade into their development agendas. TRADE also helps African markets and businesses take advantage of increased trading opportunities provided through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
TRADE works primarily with host-country partners in the government and private sector through three “Regional Hubs for Global Competitiveness” located in Gaborone, Botswana; Nairobi, Kenya; and Accra, Ghana. Each hub responds to regional needs and serves as a central point where African and U.S. private enterprises, government agencies, donors, and civil society organizations can get information and, if necessary, technical assistance and training on a full range of trade, investment, and business matters.
USAID is using TRADE funds to increase the capacity of small and medium-sized Mozambican companies to compete regionally and internationally. A $400,000 Global Development Alliance with TechnoServe links the Mozambican businesses with typically larger and more established South African companies in tourism, wood products, nuts, and horticulture. The South African partner companies provide hands-on assistance in improving quality, introducing best practices, and developing products that can compete in world markets.
|
 |
