Briefing on 2011 African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum with MCC CEO Daniel Yohannes

On Tuesday, April 26th, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chief Executive Officer Daniel Yohannes spoke with African journalists via teleconference about the upcoming 2011 AGOA Forum which will be held in Lusaka, Zambia on June 9 and 10, 2011, as well as MCC investments in the region. Daniel Yohannes has more than 30 years experience in banking and economic development.

On June 9-10, 2011, Zambia will host the 2011 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, the centerpiece of the United States government's trade policy with sub-Saharan Africa. The 2011 forum marks the 10th year that government officials, business leaders, and civil society from African countries and the United States will convene to promote trade, business, and investment opportunities that sustain economic development in Africa. The 2011 Forum's theme is "Enhanced Trade Through Increased Competitiveness, Value Addition and Deeper Regional Integration." AGOA represents a progressive U.S. trade and investment policy toward the continent working to reduce barriers to trade, increase diversified exports, create jobs and expand opportunities for Africans. AGOA provides trade preferences to 37 Sub-Saharan African countries that are making progress in economic and political reforms.

Questions? Please contact Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau at the US Embassy Pretoria at trudeauek@state.gov or (012) 431-4217.