USADF CEO,Adkins visits Nigeria for partnership and programme discussions

Business a.m

Travis Adkins, the president and CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), will visit Nigeria from October 16-20, following recent visits by other senior U.S. officials.

-Adkins’ visit reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to deepening economic engagement and trade and investment ties with Africa which was initially announced in the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit last year.

The U.S. African Development Foundation is an independent agency that provides direct support to grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs in Africa.The agency’s goal is to promote self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty through investments that increase incomes, revenues, and job creation.

Adkins will meet with USADF grantees in the agricultural sector to learn more about the agency’s work in agriculture and rural development.

In Lagos, the USADF chief will deliver remarks at a conference hosted by All-On and USADF, with a focus on expanding access to energy.

Also, Adkins will tour the Sunhive Limited project site, a USADF grantee that specializes in renewable energy. In addition, he will visit the Field of Skills and Dreams Academy, which is working with Lagos State and USADF to improve vocational training initiatives for the Nigerian workforce.

Commenting on the visit, Adkins noted that Nigeria is home to USADF’s largest country programme, which focuses on several key areas, including agriculture and food security, women and youth entrepreneurship, vocational training and job creation, renewable energy access, and support for the creative industries. These programmes,he noted, are designed to help Nigeria meet its economic and development goals

“I am excited to embark on my inaugural trip to Nigeria in my capacity as President/CEO of USADF. Nigeria holds tremendous significance on the African and global stages and is a critical partner of the U.S. government in the region,” he said.

Adkins added that USADF looks forward to a vibrant week of engagements with its grantees and partners including the U.S. Embassy and Consulate counterparts, and officials from the Nigerian government.