Over 60 representatives of companies, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs and educators – all with a passion for and interest and/or business in Africa – attended the August 26 seminar hosted by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, International Trade and Diplomacy, in cooperation with their partners, the World Trade Center Utah, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Salt Lake Chamber.
Attendees were greeted by the sound of a traditional African drum and an impressive array of presenters including:
Franz Kolb, Director for Africa, State of Utah – seminar moderator and organizer
Sabina Zunguze, President, Beautiful Options USA
Yeah Samake, President, Mali Rising Foundation
DeeVon Bailey, Vice President, Research, Utah State University
Michael Yei, Executive Director, Ouelessebougou-Utah Alliance
Keith Martin, Vice President, Martin Doors, Inc
Jana Capps, President, A Hope for Africa Project
Cathy Thsilombo, Vice President, Africa Kitiko
Jean Kapenda, International Businessman
Participants learned valuable information about the amazing continent of Africa and its
dynamic conglomerate of cultures, industries, and opportunities. As the second largest and second most populous continent, Africa continues to attract business and educational attention. U.S. direct exports to Africa alone grew to $18.5 billion in 2008.
The focus of this seminar was to provide up-to-date critical information on conducting business in Africa and participants heard current best practices and had extensive opportunities to network.
All participants responded very positively to the seminar”, states Franz Kolb, GOED regional director and seminar developer, “several mentioned the valuable cultural information they received and the opportunity to network with key individuals”.
