Livingstone – U.S. based company, INTL FCStone hosted a landmark seminar that addressed challenges with regional commodities trading and outlined a viable roadmap to strengthen Africa’s ability to trade and drive economic growth.  The seminar, which took place in Livingstone, Zambia, was made possible through a Public Private Partnership with INTL FCStone and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The United States Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Daniel L. Foote, officially opened the Southern African Structured Trade Seminar with Government of the Republic of Zambia’s Southern Provincial Minister, Honorable Edify Hamukale, partner organization INTL FCStone, and other corporate partners, including ABSA, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Barak Fund, AGRA, European Investment Bank, and Musika, on Wednesday, June 27 at Avani Victoria Falls Resort Hotel.

"We are happy to partner with leading private sector companies and governments to support the development of structured trade across Southern African Development Community,” said Ambassador Foote.  “This seminar is exactly the type of creative, business-oriented approach that is most effective for long-term African prosperity.”

Trade and investment in Africa is fast changing in the digital age, as are regional policies.  Numerous corporate sponsors present at the seminar are supporting an enterprise-led, demand- driven model focused on growing the commodities trade and developing open and transparent markets to increase economic growth and job creation in Zambia and across Southern Africa. 

The seminar is being held from June 26 - 29, and provides a unique platform where more than 120 experts, from private equity firms, financial institutions, commodity exchanges, mining companies and agribusinesses, engaged in investment match-matching and business-to-business facilitation.  Participants discussed ways to gain economic advantage, mitigate trade risks, and develop commodity marketing, all while structuring and packaging commercially viable finance.  Regulators considered the development and implementation of regulatory frameworks that enhance market efficiency and stability, while policymakers promoted national best practices.

The USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub (SATIH), which works closely with regional governments and the Southern African Development Community on trade policy, engages with partners to deepen regional economic integration, promote two-way trade with the U.S., and attract investments that drive commercial expansion.  This is done through engaging with private and public sector organizations, business and industry associations, international development agencies and financial institutions.  SATIH encourages the diversification of exports beyond natural resources, and promotes a governing environment conducive to business.

For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Zambia Press Office at ZambiaPress@state.gov.