International trade in Africa has increased with attention in the US, Canada and European nations to global fair trade. Because many nations in Africa are considered among the least-developed countries in the world, African business promotion is a key concern for worldwide economic development and contributes to many nations' interest in trade promotion in Africa.

African trade promotion on the part of aid agencies and outside governments is typically two-fold, involving the creation of trade networks between countries and regions within Africa as well as the export of African products abroad. Trade promotion in Africa continues to be a development issue, stressing fair trade both within and beyond African borders.

If you or your business is interested in trade promotion in Africa, consider the following:

1. Access aid agencies for current economic development work
2. Check government policies and legislation promoting African trade
3. Learn about regional trade and development efforts within Africa

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Promote African international trade with international agencies

Much of African international trade is stimulated through the efforts of private and non-governmental organizations based outside of the African continent. These agencies typically get involved with international fair trade as an economic development measure in addition to other humanitarian and relief efforts.

I recommend: Export Promotion of Organic Products from Africa, founded in 1997 by a Swedish development company, organizes African international trade and currently has trade programs in Uganda and Tanzania. ActionAid works with trade, education and other social issues, has acted as a liaison for African nations with the WTO, and offers publications and events on their website as opportunities for others to get involved.

Learn how the US government is involved with international trade promotion in Africa

US international trade in Africa is regulated and promoted by various US government agencies. If your business is interested in trading with Africa, learn what promoting legislation has been passed, as well as by which regulations you will need to abide.

I recommend: International Information Programs, a site sponsored by the US State Department, publishes documents and information and also highlights case studies in international trade promotion in Africa. The African Growth and Opportunity Act includes legislation, a business discussion forum, and trade leads if you're interested in business-to-business networking with African exporters.

Follow international trade in Africa regionally

Agencies like USAID sponsor and manage international trade promotion in Africa by region, offering region-specific reports, programs and opportunities for businesses and individuals to get involved. If you want to learn more about a specific African country's international trading, visit the USAID regional hub that governs that nation.

I recommend: The USAID East and Central Africa Trade Hub and USAID West Africa Trade Hub include publications and news, links to African businesses, and a variety of useful business resources for business owners interested in trading with African nations. You can also get government trade documents and policies from the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa, which receives less development aid than most other sub-Saharan African nations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you or your business is interested in African trade promotion, understand the role of export and import promotion in Africa before you get involved. Because most international trade with African nations takes the form of development assistance, you'll need to pay close attention to fair trade policies so as to promote trade rather than inadvertently participate in the exploitation of African resources.