The United States of America’s second-largest commercial partner in Africa is Nigeria according to a statement from U.S. Commercial Counselor to Nigeria, Julie Leblanc.
Leblanc, speaking in place of Will Stevens, the Consul General, and the U.S. Mission to Nigeria, discussed the importance of bolstering bilateral trade links between the United States and Africa, particularly Nigeria.
She emphasized the roles that the US government has played in closing the trade deficit with China and stated the specific areas that have helped improve this bilateral relationship, with more focus directed towards enhancements in technology, education, healthcare, and agriculture, amongst other areas.
Leblanc said, “Our partnership is increasingly technology-driven, with significant investments in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and collaborative efforts to tackle global challenges in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other key areas.”
LeBlanc cited the Biden-Harris Administration’s groundbreaking initiative, Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA), as evidence of the United States’ resolve to increase productivity in its partnerships, especially with Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
Among other things, she states that the DTA will “strengthen digital environments in alignment with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, expand digital access, and enhance U.S.-Africa commercial relations.”
The initiative was designed to highlight the continent’s significance in the global digital transition while also acknowledging its contribution to international trade.
Apart from the noteworthy endeavors focused on augmenting commercial ties between the largest economy globally and Nigeria, the U.S. ambassador emphasized other praiseworthy activities the U.S. government implements to reinforce Africa’s prominence in the international arena.
Apart from the noteworthy endeavours that aim to improve economic ties between Nigeria and the largest economy in the world, the U.S. ambassador showcased several praiseworthy measures that the U.S. government implements to reinforce Africa’s globally significant position.
The Memorandum of Understanding on the U.S.-African Continental Free Trade Area is one of these initiatives. The $160 million funding provided by the U.S. government to support the initiative demonstrates its steadfast trust in it.
Leblanc claims that “trade facilitation efforts, stakeholder engagement throughout Africa, and the development of digital trade and investment protocols are supported by this funding.”
The Women and Youth Protocol of the African Continental Free commerce Area, as well as digital commerce expansion, are our main priorities.