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President/CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) Travis Adkins will travel to Nigeria from October 16-20.
His visit comes after recent trips by U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo in September and the Global Diversity Export Initiative Trade Mission of the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago in August.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe visit of USADF P/CEO Adkins highlights the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to strengthening economic engagement, trade, and investment connections with Africa, which was first stated at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit last year.
The USADF is an independent U.S. government organization that was created by Congress to make direct investments in social entrepreneurs and small businesses in Africa. By encouraging independence and market-based approaches to alleviating poverty, USADF investments raise incomes, revenues, and employment.
In Abuja, P/CEO Adkins will engage with USADF grantees in the agricultural value chain and learn about the impact of USADF’s work in tackling food insecurity, improving rural farmer livelihoods, and boosting the growth of agricultural enterprises. In addition, he will meet Green Village Energy Projects Limited, a USADF grant recipient and discuss U.S. government support for expanding electricity generation in underserved communities through sustainable business models.
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In Lagos, P/CEO Adkins will deliver remarks at the All-On/USADF Conference, focusing on increasing access to energy. He will then tour the Sunhive Limited project site, another USADF grantee specializing in renewable energy. P/CEO Adkins will visit the Field of Skills and Dreams Academy, where he will meet beneficiaries of the Lagos State-USADF Employability Program that seeks to enhance and broaden vocational training initiatives to ensure that the Nigerian workforce possesses the requisite skills for a rapidly evolving job market. During a visit to Ady’s Food Mart, a Lagos-based agro-processing enterprise founded by an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, P/CEO Adkins will underscore the significance of seed funding in supporting women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
Speaking about his upcoming trip, P/CEO Adkins pointed out that Nigeria is home to the USADF’s largest country program, which includes the core programming pillars of access to renewable energy, support for the creative industries, women’s and young people’s entrepreneurship, vocational training, and job creation.
“I am excited to embark on my inaugural trip to Nigeria in my capacity as President/CEO of USADF. Nigeria holds tremendous significance on the African and global stages and is a critical partner of the U.S. government in the region,” P/CEO Adkins said. “We look forward to a vibrant week of engagements with USADF grantees and partners, U.S. Embassy and Consulate counterparts, and officials from the Government of Nigeria.”
