Founder of the Summit and IATF Ambassador, Mrs. Toyin Umesiri said “We would like to congratulate Ambassador. Albert M. Muchanga on winning the 2019 "Champion of Trade" Award. His leadership in driving the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to adoption has led to the creation of the world's largest trade bloc. He is being recognized as a champion in forging unprecedented alliances and consensus among African Union (AU) member countries and staying the course even in the face of global skepticism. His team's fortitude and tenacity has paid off by positioning Africa as the next economic frontier. We extend His Excellency and the entire African Union Trade and Industry team a resounding applause for a job well done and for making Africa and all Africans proud.”
Theme of the 2019 event was: Growing U.S. - Africa Trade, Trade Financing & Developing Africa's Supply Chain. Africa offers new markets for U.S. made products. Similarly, U.S. serves as an untapped market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for authentic African products (raw and manufactured). The Trade with Africa Business Summit helps to fast-track such discussions with stakeholders from the world’s next economic frontier. This year’s event also positions the Chicago Metropolitan area and the State of Illinois as a favorable destination for Africa’s business & political leaders looking to create new trade partnerships in America.
“With the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Africa’s business and political leaders want to strengthen trade partnerships. Chicago was selected to host the 2019 event because it offers a community with a strong commitment to global trade, a sophisticated supply chain network and a concentration of trade experts and key decision makers.” Toyin concluded.
