There is a huge untapped business opportunity for US corporations in Africa. Inspired by CK Prahalad’s the BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID (BOP) concept, the World Resource Institute (WRI) held a World Conference on Eradication of Poverty Through Profit, in San Francisco, California, in 2004. That conference was an eye opener for many corporations. The unfortunate situation is that most countries do not know who to tap into the wealth that abound in the African countries. South Africa is one African country that is being reached by many US corporations. What happens to others? Some US corporations have actually resorted to going into the African market through Europe, Asia or even Latin America. However, that makes their products and services more expensive to the consumers they are trying to reach. It also gives Asian and European countries a competitive edge over the United States in the Scramble for market share in the emerging market in Africa.

Furthermore, it has been observed that many of the African government officials end their US visits in Washington, D.C. Most of them do not have any consulate or liaison office in the West Coast of the United States. In fact, they only hear about the Silicon Valley but they do not know where it is. Therefore this AFRICA TRADE EXPO is intended to be an open door for the Silicon Valley corporations and professionals to explore the business opportunities that are available in the 54 African countries, and exchange product and services offerings with the participants

The aim of this trade expo is:

• To provide a forum where delegates from all the 54 countries in Africa will have the opportunity to exchange business and consumer needs with U.S. corporations, government agencies, organizations, academic institutions, and others.

• To widen the spectrum of United States investors on a broad range of investment issues and opportunities in the emerging market in Africa.

• To highlight, support and encourage the efforts that some African countries are making towards instilling ethical consciousness that will foster positive business climate between their country and other nations.

• To provide a business networking forum for small and medium size business entrepreneurs who have interest in venturing into the African market

WHAT ARE SILICON VALLEY CORPORATIONS GOING TO GAIN FROM THIS AFRICA TRADE EXPO?

• Opportunity to tap into multi-billion dollar emerging Consumer market in Africa:  While US is getting saturated with technology, Africa is fast embracing technology and industrialization in the following areas, Telecommunication, in the e-Government, Mass Transit (Transportation,) Traffic systems, Public Housing, education, military, healthcare and hospital management, etc.

• Opportunity to initiate a face-to-face contact with top government officials, corporate executives and professionals from all the African countries in two days without leaving the Silicon Valley.

• Understanding of how to market their products and services to the large consumer population in Africa

• How to tap into a pool of talented and well educated professionals in Africa to provide in-expensive services to the countries

• Cultural awareness and business understanding.

• International hospitality

• Business growth e.g. hotel accommodations and food services to the participants, etc

• The participating countries may be encouraged to open up a Trade Liaison Office in the Bay Area.

The expo attendance will be open to the public and anyone who wants to learn more about export and import opportunities that abound in Africa. All the 54 countries in Africa were invited through their embassies in Washington, DC. We have also invite most of the corporations in the Silicon Valley (over 1000,) the local cities, counties, state, US Dept of Commerce, NGOs, local universities, and many others.

EXPO CONTACT Information     
For more information about Silicon Valley AFRICA TRADE EXPO please send e-mail to tradexpo@svtradexpo.com  or contact Molly E. Uzoh by e-mail at  molly.uzoh@learningright.com  or by Phone: 408-649-5872, Cell: 408-826-2167. All checks should be made payable to SV AFRICA TRADE EXPO.

Address:                                         

1290 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126