IGD to Officially Launch Advanced Executive Program to Equip U.S. Business Leaders with Tools on Doing Business in Africa

[caption id="attachment_51324" align="alignleft" width="1000"] Leila Ndiaye[/caption] WASHINGTON, D.C., August 14, 2018 – The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) has officially launched and opened registration for its Advanced Executive Program, a high-level training program designed for senior executive American and global business leaders on doing business in Africa.

The first-ever executive training program, to be held in Mozambique from October 29 to November 2, will equip U.S. business leaders and entrepreneurs with the professional capacity and leadership skills, connections and real-world business exposure to effectively explore and engage in trade and investment opportunities on the African continent.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), a U.S. government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses, is contributing to the program.

A four-day immersion program will feature educational seminars led by African business leaders, visits with top African government officials, site visits to leading industries, and a cultural celebration, U.S. executives and entrepreneurs will gain the skills and practical knowhow to explore prospects for growth in emerging markets and context needed to ensure their success in navigating a dynamic African business environment.

"The Advanced Executive Program will place American business leaders into business environments across Africa where they will be able to experience a rigorous discourse on business, investment and trade policy issues impacting the continent," said Leila Ndiaye, President & CEO of the Initiative for Global Development (IGD). “The knowledge of local customs and culture gained from the boot camp will only deepen US investment.”

Ndiaye highlighted the country's growth potential. “Given the fact that Mozambique has achieved one of the highest economic growth rates in sub-Saharan Africa, American business leaders will gain working knowledge and insight into the key business and trade trends, industries, and sectors in the country.”

Over the last decade, Mozambique has implemented economic reforms and policies that have contributed to a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 6.1% in 2015, largely driven by trade, manufacturing, extractive industries, transport and communication, and electricity production.

The country’s abundance of natural resources offers foreign investors immense trade and investment opportunities in energy, mines, agriculture, forestry, fishing and tourism. Exclusive meetings with Government Ministers and officials from key sectors will provide insight into the regulatory reforms and business and investment environment.

Top African business leaders and faculty members at the country’s premier business school will lead educational seminars for the program on learning the African business culture and style, understanding Africa’s rapidly growing consumer class and market preferences, and how mobile and digital applications are a key part of the market.

Understanding and navigating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest trade agreement signed since the World Trade Organization (WTO) was established, will be highlighted during the training program. The trade agreement, which was signed by 46 African nations, will bring together 12 billion people for a common market with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.5 trillion.