The “7th FEEEDS-GALLUP 2020 Annual Africa Forum,” held on July 23 focussed on the central theme as “Update on Today’s US-Africa Trade Relationship”. The conference, virtual for the first time, focussed on key aspects of the US-Africa trade relationship. These included the existing 20-year African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA, expiring 2025); US-Kenya talks to establish the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the region’s new African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA).
The FEEEDS, an Africa-focused development Advocacy Initiative and the prestigious GALLUP World Poll, co-host the Africa Forum, annually along with renowned media partner Allafrica.com. The event brings together experts and partners to examine key US-Africa issues on development, business, education and trade. This year’s event partners included the International Development Institute (IDI), and the African Caribbean Business Council (ACBC).
The 2020 FEEEDS-GALLUP Africa Forum underlined the key role of small businesses in both US-Africa trade and Africa regional trade, given their nearly 47-50 percent contributions to GDP both in the U.S. and on the Continent. Delivering the keynote address, the Assistant United State Trade Representative for Africa, Constance Hamilton who is responsible for the U.S. trade strategy in sub-Saharan Africa, the U.S. vision to boost its economic ties with Africa. Magali Rheault , Africa Director Gallup, highlighted the role of Africa small businesses in driving both entrepreneurship and SME growth. The event was attended by participants across the globe, from the U.S., Africa, and Asia.
