During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing trade relationships between the United States and Africa, particularly through the lens of the African diaspora. Key participants highlighted the significant role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those owned by women and youth, play in fostering economic growth on both continents.

One notable example shared was of a Ghanaian American entrepreneur who imports shea butter products from Ghana and sells them in major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Target. This case exemplifies how diaspora connections can facilitate trade and contribute to job creation in the U.S. The conversation underscored the importance of access to capital for these businesses, with mentions of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) as a potential resource.

Senators also emphasized the need for the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), with a particular focus on empowering women and young girls through trade. The Women's Economic Empowerment and Trade Act was introduced to ensure that countries benefiting from trade preferences strengthen standards regarding women's rights.

Experts noted that when women have access to resources and capital, they tend to invest more in their families and communities, leading to broader economic benefits. The meeting also touched on the implications of trade policies on the tourism sector, with concerns that the lapse of GSP could increase costs for travel-related goods, potentially impacting tourism in states like Nevada.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a commitment to fostering trade relationships that not only benefit economic growth but also prioritize the empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women, in both the U.S. and Africa.