[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 223 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68865-68868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27400]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration


Trade Mission to Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, 
Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania in Conjunction With Trade Winds--
Sub-Sahara Africa, September 14-21, 2015

AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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Mission Description

    The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade 
Administration is organizing a trade mission to Angola, Ethiopia, 
Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania that will 
include the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business forum in 
Johannesburg, South Africa on September 16-18, 2015. U.S. trade mission 
members will participate in the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business 
forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is also open to U.S. 
companies not participating in the trade mission. Trade mission 
participants may also choose to participate in their choice of trade 
mission stops based on recommendations from the USFCS, including in 
Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and 
Tanzania. Each trade mission stop will include one-on-one business 
appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors 
or joint-venture partners. Trade mission participants participating in 
the Trade Winds--Sub-Sahara Africa business forum may attend regional 
and industry-specific sessions and consultations with USFCS Senior 
Commercial Officers and other government officials representing the 
Sub-Sahara Africa region during the business forum in Johannesburg, 
South Africa on September 16-18, 2015.
    This mission is open to U.S. companies and trade associations from 
a cross-section of industries with growth potential in Angola, 
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania, 
including, but not limited to the following industries: Power 
generation, transmission and distribution technology and equipment; oil 
and gas equipment and technology; mining and construction equipment; 
building products; agricultural equipment and technology; information 
communications technology and equipment; healthcare and medical 
products, equipment, and services; rail, air and port technology, 
products and services; environmental technologies; consumer products; 
and safety and security products and services.

Commercial Setting

Sub-Saharan Africa Economic Outlook

    Africa is the world's fastest growing continent, with excellent 
ground-level business opportunities for U.S. exporters across an array 
of sectors. Macroeconomic indicators continue to strengthen, as poverty 
declines and education and health outcomes continue to improve. 
Economic growth on the sub-continent is now projected to rise from 4.9% 
in 2013 to about 5.5% this year. In fact, robust economic activity, 
underpinned by large investments in infrastructure and mining and an 
expanding agricultural segment, continues in all three sub-regions of 
East Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa. Foreign investment has 
now fully recovered from the effects of the global crisis, and will 
reach a record US$80 billion in 2014, with manufacturing and services 
(vice oil and gas) attracting an increasing share of the continent's 
greenfield-investment projects. An increasing number of U.S. multi-
national companies have recently

[[Page 68866]]

made significant investments in the region, including Marriott, 
Walmart, FedEx and Proctor and Gamble.
    With a population of 1.07 billion and a geography as large as 
China; India; Western Europe; Mexico; and the United States combined, 
rising wages, an emerging middle class and consumerism are diversifying 
demand for U.S. products and services. While, infrastructure 
opportunities (energy, minerals, transportation, and ICT) and 
agricultural production continue to expand, continent-wide consumer 
spending is on a growth path that is expected to reach $1.4 trillion in 
2020 (from a base of $860 billion in 2008).
    U.S. goods and services exports to Africa continue to grow by 6-8 
percent annually, having reached a record high of $50.2 billion in 
2013. Sub-Saharan Africa is thus poised to become world's next economic 
success story.

Market Overview and Top Prospects for U.S. Goods and Service Exports in 
the Following Markets

Angola
    Angola is the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa with a 
GDP of over US$124 billion, and average annual growth of 5%. The 
Angolan economy is driven by the oil and gas industry, but is rapidly 
diversifying as the country's growth has fueled consumption and 
attracted foreign investors. The cost of doing business in Angola is 
high, but the rewards are commensurate. Areas with the best potential 
for U.S. exporters include: health & medical supplies, franchising, 
infrastructure (airports, ports, highways, roads, sewage systems, power 
generation), oil & gas suppliers and services, safety & security, 
agribusiness (fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation), food processing, 
mining, telecoms, construction, and environmental technologies.
Ethiopia
    Ethiopia's population of over 90 million makes it one of the 
largest growing markets in Africa. GDP growth for the past five years 
has averaged between 7%-12% annually, and Moody's has rated Ethiopia's 
credit worthiness a `B+', reflecting the economy's stable outlook and 
prospects for continued growth in the short and medium-term.
    Now is an opportune time for U.S. companies to enter the Ethiopian 
market, as the government is revising its five-year Growth and 
Transformation Plan for 2015-2020 to charter the development path in 
key sectors--Renewable Energy (wind, geothermal, solar), ICT and other 
infrastructure related projects, agro-business, education, and tourism. 
Due to its strategic location to GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) 
countries, stable security, low corruption and unprecedented growth, 
Ethiopia is a prime location for U.S. exports and investment.
Ghana
    Ghana has a vibrant democratic government and has witnessed strong 
economic growth (7.5% over the last decade, surging to 15% in 2011 as 
offshore petroleum reserves become available) due to prudent 
macroeconomic management, a competitive business environment, an 
increasingly diversified economy and sustained reductions in poverty 
levels.
    One of Ghana's most promising sectors is energy--both oil & gas 
exploration and power production. Ghana has far less production 
capacity than needed to grow its economy. Thermal power production has 
been hampered by inadequate and inconsistent sources of gas. Reliance 
on the West Africa Gas Pipeline to supply gas from Nigeria is one 
solution; a more sustainable and reliable solution to utilize gas from 
Ghana's offshore energy fields is in development as are plans to source 
renewable sources of energy. In other sectors, significant 
opportunities exist for U.S. companies with the ability to provide 
comprehensive solutions--often including financing--for port 
development, airport expansions, road construction, rail projects and 
more.
Kenya
    Kenya has an estimated population of 44.3 million with a market-
based economy and a well-educated, multi-lingual professional 
workforce, particularly in Nairobi, the country capital. Kenya is 
generally considered the economic, commercial, and logistics hub of 
East Africa. With the strongest industrial base in East Africa, Kenya 
has been successful in attracting private equity capital. U.S. 
companies continue to invest in Kenya and are setting up local and 
regional operations to take advantage of Kenya's strategic location, 
comprehensive air routes, and status as a regional financial center.
    Major opportunities for U.S. exporters lie in agribusiness, 
particularly horticulture, which relies heavily on the importation of 
fertilizers, pesticides and equipment to boost local productivity. 
Similar opportunities lie in Kenya's floriculture industry, a leading 
exporter of fresh cut flowers to the flower auction in Holland. Energy 
presents another opportunity, particularly in geothermal and wind 
technology applications. Other sectors that show lucrative U.S. export 
potential are medical devices, infrastructure (roads, bridges, rail, 
air- and seaports) and ICT products and services (Cloud, web-hosting, 
accounting, payroll).
Mozambique
    Mozambique, with a population of 24 million, grew its economy on 
average by 8% annually from 1994-2009, a result of prudent 
macroeconomic reforms and large foreign investment projects. Real 
opportunities exist in developing transport infrastructure (rail and 
ports) and related equipment, as infrastructure projects will be key to 
Mozambique's near- and long-term future. The government is investing 
heavily in expanding rail- and port capacity to manage the rising 
production of mineral resources. Regular new discoveries in oil and gas 
present excellent U.S. export prospects for construction and 
infrastructure projects and U.S. investment in the energy sector, 
particularly off-shore natural gas, is expected to grow tremendously in 
the next several years. Other infrastructure and equipment 
opportunities include telecommunications, energy (natural gas, 
hydropower and bio-diesel); mining (tantalum, graphite and coal); 
tourism (hotels, sports and leisure resorts); water supply and 
sanitation, medical equipment and consumables.
Nigeria
    Nigeria has the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and is one of 
the world's fastest growing economies, with an annual GDP growth rate 
of about 7%. It is also Africa's most populous country, with 
approximately 170 million inhabitants. Oil revenue currently accounts 
for almost 20% of Nigeria's GDP and over 90% of its foreign exchange 
earnings.
    In recent years, the country's long-neglected non-oil sectors have 
been growing faster than the oil sector itself. This means significant 
opportunities for U.S. business in a wide range of sectors--not only in 
energy (oil and gas), but also in mining, power (generation and 
distribution), infrastructure (roads, buildings, and bridges), health 
(hospital care and medical equipment), transportation (aerospace, 
railroads, automobiles, and trucks), information and communications 
technology, agricultural technology, environmental technology, safety 
and security, education and training, franchising, and financial 
services. There is also considerable potential for American consumer 
goods in Nigeria's expanding market.

[[Page 68867]]

South Africa
    With a population of 51 million and GDP at US$350.6 billion, South 
Africa is a middle-income country, with relative macroeconomic 
stability, a mature and diverse economy, urban infrastructure that 
resembles OECD standards and a largely pro-business environment. The 
banking and financial services sector is stable and the Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange (JSE) ranks amongst the top emerging market exchanges in 
the world.
    The U.S. is a critical trading partner of South Africa, and good 
U.S. export opportunities exist across a range of sectors. Much of 
South Africa's infrastructure is in need of an overhaul--with the 
government looking to invest in improving and expanding rail lines, 
locomotives and network lines. Opportunities also exist in energy 
efficient solutions for power generation and smart-grid technologies, 
as well as medical devices, particularly in high-tech equipment and 
diagnostics, green technologies, green building technologies, 
automotive aftermarket (specialty products), water management, air 
pollution control and monitoring equipment and agricultural equipment.
Tanzania
    Real GDP for Tanzania's population of 48 million grew by 7% in 
2013, the fifth consecutive year that Tanzania has enjoyed a growth 
rate that ranks it among the 20 fastest growing in the world. This 
growth is due to a strengthening manufacturing sector, continued 
investment in the natural gas sector, increased energy production, and 
robust growth in construction activities. While U.S. exports to 
Tanzania amounted to just over $400 million last year, this represents 
70% year on year growth. Tanzania's strategic location makes it a 
natural East African hub for investors seeking to capitalize not only 
on its vast resources but also a growing market of 527 million 
consumers in East and Southern Africa.
    Best prospect sectors and opportunities for U.S. exporters include 
petroleum, gas and energy; agribusiness and food processing equipment; 
mining equipment, IT and telecommunication equipment, construction and 
real estate development and aviation infrastructure. In addition, U.S. 
consumer goods and franchise concepts are increasingly attractive to 
the Tanzanian market.

Mission Goals

    The goal of the trade mission is to help participating firms gain 
market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, 
and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing U.S. exports 
to Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa 
and Tanzania and the region. The delegation will also have access to 
USFCS Senior Commercial Officers and Commercial Specialists during the 
mission, learn about the many business opportunities in Sub-Sahara 
Africa, and gain first-hand market exposure. U.S. trade mission 
participants already doing business in Sub-Sahara Africa will have 
opportunities to further advance business relationships and projects in 
those markets.

                          Scenario & Timetable
 
September 13, 2014...........  Arrive in Luanda, Angola or Addis Ababa,
                                Ethiopia or Accra, Ghana or Dar es
                                Salaam, Tanzania or Maputo, Mozambique
                                (if electing to participate in one of
                                these mission stops).
September 14, 2015...........  Luanda, Angola or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
                                or Accra, Ghana or Dar es Salaam,
                                Tanzania or Maputo, Mozambique (choice
                                of one mission stop).
                               Business to Business meetings and
                                networking with government and business
                                officials.
September 15, 2015...........  Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa.
September 16-18, 2015........  Johannesburg, South Africa: Trade Winds
                                Business Forum and SCO Consultations.
                               Market Briefings, Business to Business
                                meetings, Consultations with U.S.
                                government trade representatives and
                                networking with U.S. and foreign
                                government and business officials.
September 20, 2015...........  Arrive in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi,
                                Kenya.
September 21, 2015...........  Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya (choice
                                of one mission stop).
                               Business to Business meetings and
                                networking with government and business
                                officials.
 

Participation Requirements

    All parties interested in participating in the trade mission to 
Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and 
Tanzania must complete and submit an application package for 
consideration by the Department of Commerce. All applicants will be 
evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy 
the selection criteria as outlined below.
    A minimum of 55 companies and/or trade associations will be 
selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool on a 
first-come, first-served basis. Mission stop participation will be 
limited as follows: The Ethiopia mission stop is limited to 5 
companies; the Tanzania mission stop is limited to 5 companies; the 
Mozambique mission stop is limited to 5 companies; the Angola mission 
stop is limited to 5 companies; the Kenya mission stop is limited to 15 
companies; the South Africa mission stop is limited to 50 companies; 
the Nigeria mission stop is limited to 20 companies; and the Ghana 
mission stop is limited to 5 companies.
    Additional delegates may be accepted based on available space. U.S. 
companies and/or trade associations already doing business in or 
seeking business in Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, 
Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania for the first time may apply.

Fees and Expenses

    After a company has been selected to participate in the mission, a 
payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation 
fee is required.
     For one mission stop, the participation fee will be $2,500 
for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $3,500 for large 
firms.
     For two mission stops, the participation fee will be 
$3,300 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $4,300 for 
large firms.
     For three mission stops, the participation fee will be 
$4,100 for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and $5,100 for 
large firms.
    The above trade mission fees include the $500 participation fee for 
the Trade Winds business forum to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa 
on September 16-18, 2015.
    An additional representative for both SMEs and large firms will 
require an additional fee of $500 for one mission stop, $1,000 for two 
mission stops, or $1,500 for three mission stops
    Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals such as local 
transportation and interpreters will be the responsibility of each 
mission participant.
    Conditions for Participation:

[[Page 68868]]

     An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission 
application and supplemental application materials, including adequate 
information on the company's products and/or services, primary market 
objectives, and goals for participation. Applicant should specify in 
their application and supplemental materials which trade mission stops 
they are interested in participating in. If the Department of Commerce 
receives an incomplete application, the Department may reject the 
application, request additional information, or take the lack of 
information into account when evaluating the applications.
     Each applicant must also certify that the products and 
services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in 
the U.S., or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have 
at least 51% U.S. content of the value of the finished product or 
service. In the case of a trade association or trade organization, the 
applicant must certify that, for each company to be represented by the 
trade association or trade organization, the products and services the 
represented company seeks to export are either produced in the United 
States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at 
least 51% U.S. content.
    Selection Criteria for Participation: Selection will be based on 
the following criteria:
     Suitability of the company's (or, in the case of a trade 
association or trade organization, represented companies') products or 
services to each of the markets the company or trade association/
organization has expressed an interest in visiting as part of this 
trade mission.
     Company's (or, in the case of a trade association or trade 
organization, represented companies') potential for business in each of 
the markets the company or trade association/organization has expressed 
an interest in visiting as part of this trade mission.
     Consistency of the applicant's goals and objectives with 
the stated scope of the mission.
    Diversity of company size, sector or subsector, and location may 
also be considered during the review process.
    Referrals from political organizations and any documents containing 
references to partisan political activities (including political 
contributions) will be removed from an applicant's submission and not 
considered during the selection process.

Timeframe for Recruitment and Applications

    Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, 
including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce 
Department trade mission calendar, and other Internet Web sites, press 
releases to the general and trade media, direct mail and broadcast fax, 
notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups and 
announcements at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade 
shows.
    Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no 
later than June 15, 2015. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review 
applications and make selection decisions on a rolling basis beginning 
December 3, 2014, until the minimum of 55 participants is selected. 
After June 15, 2015, applications will be considered only if space and 
scheduling constraints permit.

U.S. Contact Information

Bill Burwell, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Baltimore, 
[email protected], Tel: 410-962-4539.
Leslie Drake, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center--Charleston, WV, 
[email protected], Tel: 304-347-5123.
William Fanjoy, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Centers, Washington, 
DC and Virginia--Arlington, VA, [email protected], Tel: 703-756-
1702.
George Litman, Director of Operations--Africa and Middle East, 
Washington, DC, [email protected], Tel: 202-482-1209.

International Contact Information

Don Nay, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service South 
Africa, Email: [email protected].
Brent Omdahl, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Commercial Service 
South Africa, Email: [email protected].

Frank Spector,
Acting Director--Trade Missions.
[FR Doc. 2014-27400 Filed 11-18-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P