‘TEXA ’ll increase trade relations among African countries’

PLANS are underway to hold the first ever Trade Expo Africa (TEXA) dedicated to African small business owners and business professionals in Houston Texas, in October.

The founder, Yinka Thomas-Ogboja, said: “Forums such as this enable us to consolidate efforts to contribute to the growth and development of Africa’s economy by increasing trade relations among African countries and the USA.

“We are proud of who we are as Africans, where we are and more importantly, where we are headed. In April 2015, the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa predicted that over the next 20 years, sub-Saharan Africa will become the main source of new entrants into the global labour force.”

While encouraging individuals and companies to take advantage of the endless possibilities the trade expo offers, Thomas-Ogboja explained that Botswana and South Africa are the two biggest exporting countries in Africa but TEXA aims to encourage more countries and reduce heavy reliance on importation.

“We are excited about the opportunities inherent as participating SMEs with export oriented products and services will find this expo rewarding.

We are our greatest asset and together we can make a difference. Let us stay focused and positive as we shape and reshape the future of Africa.

“Project Prime International (PPI) is pleased to host this event, which is designed to showcase and promote Africa’s Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seeking market penetration into the United States of America and other African countries.

TEXA also aims to boost export opportunities in Africa by leveraging on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).