New York City Mayor, Eric L. Adams Declares New York Open for Business with Africa at the USAfrica Business Expo During the 77th General Assembly in New York

NEW YORK, NY September 16, 2022 — On September 16, the eve of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77), Mayor Eric L. Adams – 11th Mayor of New York, delivered the Keynote address on “New York Open for Business: Trade and Investment Opportunities with Africa” at the USAfrica Business Expo — a B2B trade show, conference, award & networking event aimed at helping African businesses expand into international markets and equally connect business owners to resources needed to be successful.

Mayor Eric Adams, New York City International Relations commissioner Mr. Edward Mermelstein, and his deputy, Mr. Dilip Chauhan, unveiled New York City’s plan for economic recovery through NYC – Africa export-import trade and Sister City Agenda. This address was made to a section of Head of Missions, UN Agencies, Captains of Industry, Development & Trade Partners, MSMEs, Investors, and Political & Diplomatic Leaders from across the continent of Africa and the five boroughs of New York. 

“This UNGA UN General Assembly week was so important and significant to me. I couldn’t wait for the opportunity of ensuring that I can reconnect with the African diaspora. Throughout my travels to Sierra Leone, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and all the places that I went to reconnect with my ancestors personally, just to get the spiritual energy, I knew that this opportunity was a significant one,” said Mayor Eric Adams, who has continued to build a prosperous relationship with the African continent. 

Gbenga Omotayo, the Executive Director of USAfrica Trade and Business Network, spoke about the USAfrica Business Week, highlighting that at a UN Event the previous day, they engaged in a discussion on AfCFTA, the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is a market of 1.3 billion of people without any frontiers, no limitations or barriers and this is why the vision of the USAfrica trade and business network is to help the emerging African market by facilitating the trade agreement between Africa and the United States.

Before the administration of Mayor Eric Adams, America had traded with many countries and established significant relationships, but it seemed that Africa had been left off of the conversation. “Africa has been ignored…every other country allows people to leave their country, come to America, use their political strength, economic strength, and know-how to go back to their country and build that country. We have not done that. That day ended on January 1, 2022, when I became the mayor of New York City,” declared Mayor Eric Adams. “Right now, you have the most important city in the most important country, some would say, on the globe. Now you have the mayor, who’s the Mayor of African ancestry, and that door of no return has been opened, and we will return and build back our relationships. We cannot squander or waste the moment,” added Mayor Eric Adams.

Mr. Edward Mermelstein, International Affairs Commissioner for New York City, highlighted that this is a very different administration from previous administrations by saying, “we are here to engage the international community, especially with Mayor Adams’ interest with respect to the continent of Africa. We are here to engage with African businesses, and we are here to promote and have NYC and its businesses invest in the continent of Africa” He postulated that if New York were a country, it would be the 11th largest economy in the world.

Mr. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Innovation for the office of the New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, emphasized that New York is a multicultural city, and to quote Mr. Chauhan, “The mayor and I are proud that New York City is the largest home for the diplomatic community…and now New York City is very much engaged and now open for business…New York City is internationally connecting this business community and helping businesses expand in NYC.” 

Speaking about the Import and Prosper Program of the USAfrica Hub, Gbenga Omotayo underscored that the main aim of the USAfrica Trade and Business Network is to enhance trade and investment in Africa by empowering Africans to break into the international market. He stated that one of the challenges African businesses face is a lack of visibility due to limited market access. “There are no infrastructures, retail chains, global retail brands, and distributor networks. The diaspora is Africa’s secret weapon, and for Africa to thrive, we have to leverage the power of the diaspora. Many African diasporas want to do business on the African continent and have challenges doing this. Hence, the Hub, with the help of its veritable partners, provides this market access for the African diaspora to import products from verified and reliable businesses in Africa looking to scale and, in turn, prosper through white labeling and in turn, build equity in the long run,” said  Gbenga Omotayo, Executive Director of USAfrica Trade and Business Network.

The event, which was held at the United Nations Headquarters from Monday, 12, September to Saturday, September 17, 2022, was themed “Facilitating Export-Import Opportunity for US-Africa MSMEs for Sustainable Development” positions New York City and the State of New York as favorable destinations for Africa’s business & political leaders looking to create new trade partnerships. This edition brought together 100+ small business owners, Investors, CEOs, Entrepreneurs, Top Govt Leaders & Senior Execs, top business executives, Franchisees, Exporters, Manufacturers, Senior Business, Political, and Diplomatic leaders. Also in attendance were New York Elected Officials. 

The USAfrica Business Expo is produced by USAfrica Trade and Business Network, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization that has for over six years worked to promote and strengthen international trade and investment between the U.S and Africa. This is achieved by connecting U.S. and African organizations and businesses with new buyers, suppliers, and investment opportunities. Many of the connections made at this have led to long-term relationships and strategic partnerships.

For more information, to register for the next event, or join the USAfrica Hub, please visit https://www.usafricabusinessexpo.com/ or Email – partner@usafricahub.com.