US Aims to Increase Food Imports from Africa

The United States has launched a new initiative aimed at boosting imports of African foods, such as seafood, nuts, and herbs, indicating the untapped potential in goods that could benefit small-scale farmers, according to reports from Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The newly established African Trade Office seeks to increase specialized African food imports to the US by $300 million over the next 18 months, representing a 10% rise in the continent's agricultural exports to the world's largest economy.

The announcement of the project came during a trade event in Atlanta, with a particular focus on South Africa, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Isobel Coleman, Deputy Director of USAID, emphasized the untapped potential across the African continent, stating that they see untapped potential across the African continent.

Coleman further explained that they want to see more countries take advantage of this opportunity to enter the US market.

In addition, she highlighted direct feedback from US buyers indicating a growing need for more supplies from Africa.

With a team of 27 individuals and an upcoming online platform launch, the African Trade Office aims to overcome logistical barriers, including product insurance and tracking technology, to facilitate connections between farmers and food exporters in Africa with 20,000 retail stores across the United States.

The focus will primarily be on specialized foods like seafood, fruits, herbs, nuts, spices, and juices, with a special effort to meet the demands of African expatriates in the US.