Obama Means Business During Africa Trip

June 25,2013

This is only Obama’s second trip to sub-Saharan Africa, after he made a brief stop in 2009 in the West African nation of Ghana. There, he spoke about the importance of democracy.

This time, his focus is different. The president is expected to talk about economic growth, among other issues, with officials in Africa’s economic powerhouse, South Africa.

Trade between South Africa and the U.S. totaled $22 billion in 2011, according to the U.S. government. South Africa is a major destination for international brands and also has its own burgeoning industries.

South Africa also benefits from duty-free import status to America, which has allowed the nation to export high-value items such as cars.

South Africa has also made its own move to boost trade by becoming the newest member of BRICS, a group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

The U.S. consulate in Johannesburg has placed itself squarely in the middle of the bustling Sandton business district, home of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Senior Commercial Officer Larry Farris says trade between Africa and the U.S. is growing - and changing.

“The interesting thing is, is it’s gone from being, just primarily a focus on import of raw materials and primary products to be one that shows a lot more diversity and a lot more interests in looking at both trade into the US and into South Africa in areas that represent higher value, represent technology, represent a lot of where the growth in the international markets are," said Farris.