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Event
Doing Business in Sub-Saharan Africa: Why, Where and How
U.S. companies are finding substantial trade and business opportunities in Africa. U.S. exports to Sub-Saharan Africa top $21 billion per year, and the region is growing at 5-6% annually. How can U.S. firms best understand these markets, find opportunities, and manage the challenges of doing business there?
The University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management and the George Washington University Center for International Business Education and Research (GW-CIBER) are hosting a one-day conference focusing on 8 dynamic economies: Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania. The U.S. Commercial Service is hosting the Trade Winds Africa mission to these countries in September 2015.
Key conference topics include:
- Current and emerging business opportunities in countries of focus
- Challenges that U.S. companies face in these markets myths and realities on the ground
- The competitive environment, including the role of China, India and indigenous African companies
- Understanding and leveraging diaspora communities
- Uncovering resources to help with finding and vetting business partners, financing, and logistics
Conference Agenda
This event takes place at the Carlson School of Management.
8:00-8:30: Check-in, coffee, continental breakfast
8:30-9:45: Welcome and Opening Keynote Speaker: Setting the Stage Comparative Perspective on Spotlight Countries
Welcome: Dean Sri Zaheer, Carlson School of Management, Deputy Assistant Secretary Antwaun Griffin, U.S. Department of Commerce,Reid Click, Associate Professor of International Business and Director of CIBER, George Washington University
Keynote: James Newlands, Lead Partner, Americas-Africa Center, EY
9:45-11:00: Opportunities and Challenges in Doing Business in Africa
Moderator: Aks Zaheer, Professor and Curtis L. Carlson Chair in Strategic Management, Carlson School of Management
Panelists:
--Dave Anderson, International Sales, JetEdge
--Yohannes Assefa, Director, Stalwart Management Consultancy
--John Geisler, Corporate VP and CIO, Cargill
--Adesegun Oyedele, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Business Law, St. Cloud State University
--Kendall Tyre, Partner, Nixon Peabody
11:15-12:30: China and India in Africa
Moderator: Reid Click, Associate Professor of International business and Director of CIBER, GW
Panelists:
--Wenjie Chen, Assistant Professor of International Business and International Affairs, George Washington University
--Tade Okediji, Associate Professor of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
--David Shinn, Adjunct Professor of International Affairs, George Washington University, and former ambassador to Burkina Faso and Ethiopia
12:30-1:30: Luncheon Keynote Speaker
AGOA, Its Impact on Sub-Saharan Africa
Irving Williamson, Commissioner, U.S. International Trade Commission
1:45-3:00: Leveraging Diasporas for Doing Business in Africa Roundtable Discussion
Moderator: Liesl Riddle, Associate Professor of International Business and International Affairs, George Washington University
Panelists:
--Semhar Araia, Founder and Executive Director, Diaspora African Women's Network
--Eric-Vincent Guichard, CEO, Homestrings
--Ndaga Mwakabuta, Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America
--Crispin Semakula, Diaspora Council of Tanzanians in America
3:15-4:30: From Opportunity to Reality Resources for Assessing Opportunities, Finding Partners, Financing
Moderator: Deputy Assistant Secretary Antwaun Griffin, U.S. Department of Commerce
Panelists:
--David Edmiston, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce
--Denis Griffin, Director, Minneapolis Regional Office, Export-Import Bank of the United States
--Paul Hansen, International Trade Representative, Africa and Middle East, Minnesota Trade Office
--Herbert Igbanugo, Partner, Igbanugo Partners
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1:45-4:30: Country experts available for one-on-one or small group discussion, questions, and advice
4:30-4:45: Closing Remarks
Deputy Assistant Secretary Antwaun Griffin, U.S. Department of Commerce
4:45-6:00: Networking Reception
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LocationCarlson School of Management (View)
321 19th Ave. South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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