Trade, fuelled by economic growth and investment, is an essential tool for poverty reduction. One challenge for many African businesses is navigating the complex rules and regulations involved in exporting to lucrative developed country markets. The USAID “Trade Hub” programs are designed to help African businesses take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – an American preference program that permits the export of certain African goods to the United States duty- and quota-free. Four Trade Hubs – in Botswana, Senegal, Ghana and Kenya – are helping African entrepreneurs navigate US customs laws, identify export financing, find buyers, and get assistance with pricing and marketing. The hubs have been successful in helping businesses introduce products such as clothing, fresh flowers, and fruit juice to the United States. In total, since 2005, the four African Trade Hubs have generated an additional $60 million in exports to the US alone. The West African Trade Hub has been particularly successful in boosting the shea butter and cashew industries.

-Beth Adler