The US-Africa Trade Commission (USATC) will launch a South African chapter at a summit in Durban on June 18, in a move aimed at strengthening trade, investment and institutional cooperation between Africa and the United States. The launch will also mark the inauguration of Gostina Malope as country director for South Africa.
Hosted under the theme "Advancing Strategic Trade, Investment, Innovation and Academic Cooperation Between Africa, the United States and the Globe", the summit will bring together government, business and development stakeholders from South Africa, the US and the broader southern African region.
According to the USATC, the establishment of the South African chapter reflects growing momentum towards stronger economic cooperation between Africa and the United States, with South Africa positioned as a strategic entry point for continental trade and investment flows.
“As Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa continues to play a central role in manufacturing, financial services, logistics, technology and regional market integration, making it a key node in global economic engagement,” the organisation said.
USATC is a non-profit organisation focused on strengthening trade and investment cooperation between Africa and the United States. It supports collaboration between governments, the private sector and development partners to expand economic opportunities, promote investment flows and enhance cross-border commercial engagement.
The chapter is expected to serve as a permanent institutional link between South African and US public and private sector institutions, while supporting outbound African investment and business expansion. Priority sectors include agribusiness, renewable energy, infrastructure development, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation and financial services.
The summit will focus on trade facilitation, investment frameworks, industrial cooperation and market access, while also exploring investment facilitation, industrial expansion and regional economic integration. Discussions are expected to examine ways of strengthening regional value chains, deepening Africa-US economic relations and expanding business engagement across South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries.
