Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Business Opportunities in East Africa for U.S. Businesses


The Republic of Kenya and East Africa Beckons!

Kenya is the leading economy in East Africa and gateway to the East African Community (EAC), which consists of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The EAC has a combined population of more than 230 million.

Why Export to East Africa? The region's strong growth results in immediate opportunities in energy and other sectors. Less that 20% of East Africa's 230 million residents have access to electricity, but demand is approaching a 10% growth rate in some markets. 

The U.S. also is working with the EAC on a new regional integration initiative, which will enhance the U.S.-EAC trade and investment relationship. Kenya qualifies for duty free access to the United States of America (USA) market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) enacted by the United States in 2000. Also, Mombasa, the main principle seaport of Kenya, has served as a major distribution hub for the lucrative East African market providing connections to landlocked neighboring nations.

The Port of Mombasa and Port Miami have been engaged as Sister Seaports since 2007. Kenya is South Florida’s 95th trade partner with bilateral trade valued at $17 million (2011). Kenya is currently 105th largest goods trading partner with the United States, with $846 million in total goods trade (2011).

New-to-export or new-to-market companies interested in doing business in Kenya can sign up for our forthcoming Webinar or join the Business Development Mission to Nairobi, Kenya:

Organized by the U.S. Commercial Service

Date: September 27, 2012
Time: 11:00am EST/8:00am PST (Duration: 90 min.)
Cost: $45

Contacts:
Nyamusi Igambi: Nyamusi.Igambi@trade.gov
K.L. Fredericks: KL.Fredericks@trade.gov
Andrew Gately: Andrew.gately@trade.gov

Organized by Enterprise Florida Inc., and Miami-Dade County (Economic Development & International Trade Unit).

Date: November 11th – 17th, 2012

Contacts:
Desmond Alufohai: alufoha@miamdiade.gov
Bryant J. Salter: BJSalter@eflorida.com

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