U.S. Government Promotes Private Investment in Africa
28 February 2012
allAfrica.com - 23 February 2012
Washington — The U.S. government is promoting economic growth in Africa through public-private investment and development projects, says Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs William Fitzgerald.
"The United States is ready to do business in Africa in a much bigger way," Fitzgerald said at the Washington Foreign Press Center February 22. He said now is a great time for both U.S. and international companies to invest in sustainable development across Africa.
Fitzgerald's remarks followed his participation in a State Department-led energy trade mission to Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana February 6-17. The delegation of U.S. government officials, led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, was joined by private sector executives who met with host country senior government officials and business leaders to discuss energy infrastructure projects, such as investments in power generation and fuel supplies. The trip was co-sponsored by the Corporate Council for Africa, a private organization that brings together potential business partners and seeks to raise Africa's profile for American investors.