Accra, Ghana – On May 8-10, 2019, the United States of America, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA), will welcome American companies to Accra to highlight Ghana’s  growing apparel manufacturing industry and sourcing opportunities in apparel exports.  The three day conference, led by EAA at the Movenpick Hotel, will enable brand sourcing executives from the U.S. to visit factories in Ghana, meet factory owners, and engage with logistics and trade and export specialists in order to understand the benefits for their organization.

Key international apparel brands in attendance include Cintas Corporation, The Children’s Place, Uniform Advantage, and Pajamagram. The companies supply apparel ranging from worker’s uniforms to children’s clothing.  During the conference, companies from Ghana and Benin such as Alfie Designs, Africa New Confection, KAD Manufacturing, KEY Textiles and Maa Grace Limited will showcase their products and manufacturing potential.

Ghana presents a unique opportunity for U.S. brands to source duty free apparel under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and benefit from West Africa’s unique location and fast shipping times to the United States.  Since 2014, apparel exports to the U.S. from Ghana have grown nearly 300 percent and almost 70 percent over the past year alone, in the process contributing to more than 1,000 new jobs.

Distinguished speakers at the event will include the Minister of Trade and Industry for Ghana, the Honorable Alan Kyerematen, U .S. Ambassador Stephanie S. Sullivan, USAID/Ghana Mission Director Sharon Cromer, and the CEO of Ghana’s Export Import Bank Lawrence Agyinsam.

The United States, through USAID, is committed to promoting economic growth in Ghana and throughout West Africa, greater trade and investments between our nations, and expanding partnerships under the mutual benefits of AGOA. These goals also promote private sector growth and job creation in support of Ghana’s journey toward self-reliance.

NOTES TO EDITORS: USAID is committed to catalyzing sustainable economic growth in West Africa and beneficial trade linkages for American companies to access duty-free benefits under AGOA. The American people, through USAID, provide economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries worldwide aimed at promoting a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.

Ethical Apparel Africa (EAA) is an apparel sourcing company that provides expert technical guidance, independent quality control, sourcing, logistics, and compliance assurance in West Africa.