Empowering US-Africa Trade: Women & Youth SME Partnerships & Networking Marketplace.
On behalf of Global Impact Industries, Kimberly Nelson, President had the opportunity to speak with
incredible women-owned businesses from across Africa and engage on a panel in a meaningful dialogue
with distinguished moderator Krista Johnson, Director of the Center for African Studies at Howard
University, and panelists D Yvonne Rivers (Global Business Expert), Vanessa Adams (CEO, Level4
International), Larry Yon, II (President, CyberAlliance), and Alicea Gay (VP, U.S. Black Chambers). I am
grateful for this experience and the intentional connections made.
Thank you to our speakers for your valuable contributions to the “Beyond 2025: Reimagining AGOA for
an Inclusive, Sustainable, and Prosperous Tomorrow” program: Laurie-Ann Agama (Chief Economist,
U.S. Trade Representative), Nnamdi Kalu Ezera (Senior Counsel, Commercial Law Development
Program), Diedra Henry-Spires (Senior Advisor, U.S. Small Business Administration), and l am truly
grateful for Shona Carter (Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State), and team members
@Sarah L. Bonner (Senior International Trade Policy at U.S. Small Business Administration), Karen
Burress (Senior Policy Advisor to the Deputy Director General for U.S. Foreign Commercial Services), Carl
Brown, CCA (State/Executive Director, DCSBDC), and Yodit Shibru (Director, Government Contracts and
Procurement Services, DCSBDC). Our collective efforts created a unique platform for African women and
youth entrepreneurs to engage with potential buyers and investors.
“Reflecting on my discussions with these remarkable women, I see the need for AGOA and Prosper
Africa Africa to develop sustainable pathways for their businesses. This includes creating spaces for
small business training, technical assistance, capacity building, gathering real time input from potential
buyers, and fostering B2B contracts. l am grateful to serve in this capacity with you at the AGOA event
and look forward for continuing collaboration.” Kimberly Nelson
