USAID Participates in the 2011 AGOA Forum in Zambia

WASHINGTON, DC—This week, delegates from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will join the tenth annual forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act in Lusaka, Zambia. Known as “AGOA,” the forum is the centerpiece of U.S. trade policy with sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Julie Howard, Deputy Coordinator for Development for the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future initiative, which is led by USAID, will lead the USAID delegation. USAID’s Ricardo Michel, a senior economic growth and trade advisor, will also represent USAID at the forum.

The theme of this year’s forum is Enhanced Trade Through Increased Competitiveness, Value Addition and Deeper Regional Integration.” More than 1,600 participants are expected.

During the forum, Dr. Howard will emphasize the United States’ commitment to building African capacity for trade, which is critical to meeting development priorities ranging from food security to economic growth. Michel will highlight the importance of engaging both public and private sectors and integrating small and medium enterprises in trade efforts to maximize AGOA’s impact.