PO Box 602090, Tholo House, Plot 50668, Fairgrounds, Gaborone, Botswana, Phone: (+267) 3900884, info@satradehub.org

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United

States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

July 2014

Source Africa 2014: Photo Essay of the Pan-African Textiles & Apparel Trade Event By Trade Hub Communications

Consul General Erica Barks-Ruggles from the US consulate in Cape Town spoke at Source Africa’s plenary session, noting that the African Growth and Opportunity Act has created well over 100,000 jobs in South Africa alone since its inception, of which the US government is very proud.

Source Africa 2014 took place June 18-20 in Cape Town, South Africa, supported by USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub and valued partners LTE, AAFA and ACTIF. The pan-African Textiles & Apparel trade show drew 1,185 visitors—up 25% from last year’s inaugural event.

The Source Africa 2014 trade show welcomed 214 exhibitors from 18 countries including South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, Madagascar, Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Lesotho, Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Cote D’Ivoire and saw brisk foot traffic on both days of the exhibition.

Molefi Setaka from Stevey Tailor, Lesotho, was a first-time exhibitor at Source Africa who benefited from the support of the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) to attend the show, network at the events and display quality products to buyers from around the world.

2

Kaise Gubula (far left), fashion designer and founder of Kaise Fabrics and Designs, stands next to one of her designs. She is one of the new, young ambitious designers from the Eastern Cape looking to increase the profile of her collection.

The textile and apparel industry is one of the most accessible manufacturing industries and has historically been the cornerstone of industrial development for developing countries. The clothing sector in particular has generated thousands of jobs in the Southern Africa region, 80% of which go to women.

A major theme of Source Africa 2014 was the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and how clothing manufacturers can use the trade preference program to their advantage. Sportswear is especially competitive for AGOA-eligible countries to export to the U.S. since synthetic garments generally have a high tariff otherwise.

Source Africa 2014 used a sophisticated business-to-business matchmaking system to connect suppliers with the buyers most likely to be interested in their product. Early lead generation results are already clocking in over USD $1 million, even though most sales will only be finalized in the months to come.

Uniforms are another item with which companies can take strategic advantage of AGOA due to their high synthetic content.

In addition to apparel, footwear suppliers made a strong showing at the event. With normal duty rates to the United States of up to 35% on shoes, footwear exports are a product with which AGOA gives African companies an edge to excel.

3

At a cocktail reception on the first evening of the show, attendees had the opportunity to network with a wide variety of industry leaders, buyers and experts.

Sascha Breuss, Managing Director and CEO of Zando, South Africa’s largest online shopping retailer, gives a presentation during Wednesday’s “Navigating Policies for African Trade” session on challenges his company has overcome in different parts of the continent to successfully build their business.

In addition to the trade show, four business seminars on topics related to the textiles and apparel industry in Africa played for a packed house. Here keynote speaker Gail Strickler of the United States Trade Representative sits on a panel with Steve Lamar of AAFA, Mohamed Kassem of the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Abisha Tembo of IDD and Jas Bedi of ACTIF.

The audience was very engaged in Source Africa’s panel sessions and took advantage of the opportunity to ask the experts questions on a wide variety of topics ranging from government policy to best shipping ports to competing on orders with Asia.

With enthusiastic participation in the panel sessions, key industry leaders sharing their expertise, a busy trade show floor and networking opportunities throughout the three days of the show, Source Africa 2014 turned out to be a success on all counts.

4

The Experts Weigh In: Source Africa 2014 Plenary Session By Sara Sullivan, Head of Communications The Source Africa 2014 Trade Show in Cape Town on June 18-20 was accompanied by a series of well-attended business seminars and panel sessions with key industry figures. At the plenary session, Erica Barks-Ruggles, the Consul General for the United States in Cape Town, introduced Assistant US Trade Representative for Textiles Gail Strickler, who gave the keynote address discussing the opportunities for apparel manufacturers in AGOA beneficiary countries. Ms. Strickler spoke of the tariff savings a US importer can realize by sourcing in Africa and the need to meet certain standards to secure business from US importers and brands. Abisha Tembo, Chief Director, Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (IDD) from South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry also addressed the session, discussing the South African government's industrial policy action plan for regional development and innovative ways to increase the region's share of the textiles and apparel market. Source Africa's four business seminars over three days focused on the themes of sourcing requirements for the US market, navigating policies for African trade and intra-African trade, AGOA and other free market agreement policies affecting Africa, and the challenges that African countries are addressing to attract foreign direct investment.

In Abisha Tembo’s address, the Chief Director for Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather asked a vital question: how can the sector be more innovative and bring in products that will increase the region’s share of the market as an industry? He also addressed the problem of illegal imports and how his office is working with governments and industry to combat the issue. Mr. Tembo described an Industrial Policy Action Plan designed to promote regional development and manufacturing, as transshipment alone does not grow employment. Mr. Tembo also introduced the idea of National Clusters and how they can benefit development by

bringing in technology to be shared across the industry and confronting issues affecting the sector, specifically mentioning the National Fashion Council, National Leather & Footwear Council, and the Textile & Cotton Sustainable Clothing Cluster. In his address Mr. Tembo emphasized the importance of coordinating with the private sector and made the role of government clear: “As government, we don’t provide employment. We facilitate an environment conducive for industry to create decent and sustainable jobs.” He also mentioned that some of the brightest brains are now coming into the textiles and apparel industry in Southern Africa and ended with a note of hopefulness on the opportunities in the sector. After Mr. Tembo’s speech, the Consul General for the United States in Cape Town, Erica Barks-Ruggles, addressed the attendees, welcoming them to Cape Town and mentioning the benefits of AGOA before introducing the session’s keynote speaker. Noting that AGOA emphasizes mutual benefit through trade and free markets, Ms. Barks-Ruggles observed that the trade preferences program has “created well over 100,000 jobs, and the US government is very proud of that.” In her keynote address to the session, Assistant US Trade Representative for Textiles Gail Strickler reiterated that the Obama Administration is committed to a seamless renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is currently set to expire on September 30, 2015. “AGOA 2.0,” as she called it, will form part of the discussion during the upcoming U.S-Africa Leaders’ Summit that will take place in August in Washington DC and run concurrently with the 13th AGOA Forum. She noted that the US government has the opportunity, in the lead-up to the summit, to define the elements of a renewal package that will effectuate the Administration’s commitment while taking into account the lessons of the last 14 years of administering the program and changes in the global trading system over that time.

5

Exports from Africa to the U.S. under AGOA have grown by 500%, from $8.15 billion in 2001 to $53.8 billion in 2011, of which the Textile and Apparel Industry amounted to almost $1 billion. Despite this remarkable growth, the current African share of the US market amounts to only 1%, meaning that there is ample opportunity for African manufacturers to increase their exports to the United States. The latest findings of the United States International Trade Commission (2014) suggest that AGOA’s impact on foreign direct investment has been strongest in the apparel and footwear industry. The program’s trade benefits and eligibility criteria appear

to have motivated AGOA beneficiary countries to improve their business and investment climates. Ms. Strickler emphasized the strategic advantage AGOA offers to African companies trading with the United States and discussed specific, concrete ways suppliers can maximize those benefits. As she noted, “With duties as high as 32%, apparel importers want your products, and you are learning to satisfy their demands.” Ms. Strickler also raised the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility as an increasingly important factor for international buyers and consumers: a significant point since Africa offers the opportunity for American buyers to feel confident about workers’ rights and environmentally-friendly work practices. In her speech Ms. Strickler spent some time discussing the importance of the textiles and apparel industry as a catalyst for industry globally and a sector with a multiplier effect that changes the livelihoods of the community around it. She spoke both in her capacity as a trade expert but also drew on personal experience: explaining that her own grandmother, orphaned at 16, found employment and betterment for herself and her siblings by working in an apparel factory in New York in the last century. “There are 300,000 garment workers employed in factories that utilize AGOA,” she continued on to say. “A job is not merely the extraction of labor, and our ultimate goal is that these jobs created through AGOA would be increasingly productive, skill-building and sustainable, becoming a channel through which more entrepreneurs, ideas and technology are birthed.” Ms. Strickler stated that the goal of the U.S. government is to make AGOA’s impact lasting: not just to encourage African companies to trade with the United States but to build institutional and trade capacity so that African goods can be sent around the world. The AUSTR concluded her talk with a look to the future: “We envision a program that helps to diversify not only the types of products that sub-Saharan Africa exports but also the markets it targets…I believe we will see the skills and wages of workers rise, that we will see the export of high quality, diverse products out of Africa, and that those changes—just like a single factory—will have a multiplying effect for all of Africa.” Getting Deals Done: A Packed Trade Show Floor at Source Africa 2014 By Sara Sullivan, Head of Communications and Thapelo Manale, Communications Coordinator Source Africa 2014 offered a whirl of activity over three days and presented multiple opportunities for its guests to network, learn, and engage: including expert panel sessions, a cocktail reception, a lively fashion show hosted by Enterprise Mauritius and speeches by leading industry figures and government officials. Against the backdrop of these exciting events, the real business of Source Africa 2014 took place on the trade show floor where 214 exhibitors displayed products ranging from evening gowns to baby clothes, uniforms to leather handbags, parachutes to fancy dress pumps so that buyers from around the world could sample the best textiles, apparel and footwear Africa has to offer in one convenient location in beautiful Cape Town. USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub supported a cutting-edge online matchmaking system implemented by Outsmart Marketing that created customized match-ups between buyers and suppliers. These meetings were carefully tailored based on industry questionnaires and valuable pre-show input to maximize efficiency and ensure that the right potential partners were brought together during the event. In total, 395 meetings

6

were arranged, and early lead results from Source Africa 2014 have already been reported at over US$1 million even though the majority of sales will take a few months to finalize.

Suppliers from 18 countries exhibited at Source Africa, including Gelvenor Textiles, a South African company that produces technical fabrics for military and defense purposes, medical and government services, corporations and schools. Here Anton Poplett, Development Manager at Gelvenor, describes the benefit of Source Africa 2014 and how the trade show makes it “convenient and easier to buy a quality reliable product [regionally] instead of importing from China.”

Anton Poplett Business Development Specialist, Gelvenor Textiles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxhX5cFFgOo

Source Africa exhibitors were arranged on the trade show floor in “country pavilions,” increasing their visibility and benefitting from strength in numbers. Various investment promotion agencies spearheaded this effort, including the Lesotho National Development Corporation, which supported 16 companies from the flourishing textiles and apparel sector in Lesotho to attend the event. Here Mokhethi Shelile, Head of Investment Promotion from LNDC, explains the purpose of the organization and why attending Source Africa is such a good strategy for companies looking to build exposure.

Mokhethi Shelile Head of Investment Promotion, LNDC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ptnywITQo

Jeremy Youmens, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers Association, also came to Source Africa and explained how ZCMA is committed to growing the clothing industry in Zimbabwe back to its full height. The Zimbabwe Pavilion at Source Africa 2014 had six booths showcasing a variety of products. Watch as Youmens describes how “the interaction among all the different countries and players has been fantastic” at the trade show.

Jeremy Youmens Chairman, Zimbabwe Clothing Manufactures Association https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjxt3NjORwk&feature=youtu.be Source Africa 2014 was also attended by companies looking to support the textiles and apparel industry. Here Martie Gunter, Brand and Retail Communications Manager from DyStar and Color Solutions International, describes how CSI helps suppliers match color shades with 100% accuracy and how the company finds Source Africa of tremendous value for making contacts with brands and retailers, meeting with new up-and-coming designers, and building upon existing relationships.

7

Martie Gunter Brand and Retail Communications Manager DyStar and Color Solutions International https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlA1AiJB-u4

With the second annual Source Africa trade show a success, participants are already looking towards next year’s event to be held in Cape Town in June. Feedback from Source Africa 2014 has been extremely positive, with retailers contacting the Trade Hub to express their satisfaction with deals made and their appreciation for a valuable event.

“Source Africa had its best showing yet – the number, variety and caliber of participants this year was the highest I’ve seen, and it was a pleasure to attend such a well-organised and professional show. Well done!”

— Cape Union Mart

“If you’re in textile and clothing don’t miss out!” — Bernstein Clothing Zimbabwe

“Source Africa provides a fundamental insight into the textile, apparel and footwear industries.” —Twenty 1 South Africa

“SOURCE AFRICA IS SUCH AN EYE OPENER, WILL MAKE IT PART OF MY DIARY EVERY YEAR!” —Olben Collection, Kenya

“Source Africa gave us a huge opportunity to promote our Recycled Polyester Fibre, which is mainly made from plastic bottles. So many visitors and exhibitors were astonished by this appearance. It was also a great opportunity to network and meet new people within the industry.” —Propet Fibre

The Source Africa exhibition is a great platform for small enterprises in general. It can grow to be one of the biggest shows in Africa where will see companies gradually grow their businesses and develop the economy not only of South Africa but other countries as well.” —Ekurhuleni Jewelry Project

IT WAS THE BEST EXHIBITION I HAVE EVER PARTICIPATED IN, LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY. —The House of Conee

“It was a well-organized show which turned out more sales leads than expected. We will definitely sign on for next year.” —Leo Garments

8

Hub Digest

The Hub Digest offers views from a rotating panel of experts on a wide variety of issues related to trade and economic growth in Southern Africa, including trade facilitation tools and approaches; agricultural productivity and improvements especially in the maize, groundnut and soy value chains; developments in the textiles and apparel sector and regarding AGOA and exports; clean energy; enabling environment reform and initiatives; environmental compliance and gender integration. Write to info@satradehub.org with your suggestion for a topic or question. Or start a conversation via our Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/satradehub. AGOA Advatages and Opportunities: A Conversation with Gail Strickler, AUSTR For this month’s Hub Digest, Hub Happenings sat down with the Assistant United States Trade Representative for textiles and apparel, Gail Strickler, to discuss textiles and apparel opportunities in Southern Africa and the benefits of AGOA to African companies looking to export to the U.S. Ms. Strickler was in Cape Town as the keynote speaker for Source Africa 2014, the pan-African textiles, apparel and footwear show supported by USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub. HH: What is your role as the Assistant United States Trade Representative for textiles and apparel, particularly as it relates to Africa? GAIL STRICKLER: Since coming to serve as the AUSTR for textiles and apparel in the Obama administration nearly five years ago, my objective has been to use whatever resources, knowledge and opportunity I can to promote the growth and expand the use of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). I hope to explain its benefits and encourage its opportunities to help create a sustainable textile and apparel industry here in Africa. As the chief negotiator for textiles and apparel for the US Trade Representative, I have been inspired by how the industry has grown and continues to thrive despite great shifts in the world trading system: how it is evolving to make more complex and higher-valued products. HH: It was an honor to have you attend Source Africa 2014 and address key industry leaders and companies that attended. What in your view are the benefits of a show like this? GAIL STRICKLER: Source Africa is a globally significant textile and apparel event that showcases the productive capacity, energy and strength of this diverse continent. Trade shows like Source Africa are critical for creating connections between local entrepreneurs and foreign markets. Now we need to work together to expand the reach, integration and opportunity for the designers, manufacturers and workers that are this industry here in Africa. HH: How have African apparel manufacturers taken advantage of AGOA thus far?

“One can never underestimate the power of networking platforms. If you are in the footwear or clothing manufacture industry, Source Africa is one of those must-attend events. Not only for your brand‘s vital visibility but to open yourself to potential strategic partnerships. —Galago South Africa

The show was extremely organized and a pleasure to be a part of!” — Eddels Shoes

SOURCE AFRICA 2014 WAS ALL WE EXPECTED AND MORE. WE HOPE TO BE BACK NEXT YEAR! – Melco

9

GAIL STRICKLER: AGOA has been instrumental in attracting investment, creating jobs and elevating how business is done in Africa. AGOA members export 34% of their apparel exports to the U.S., and AGOA’s preference for textiles and apparel boasts one of the highest utilization rates across US preference programs. LDCs, or LDBCs (Lesser Developed Beneficiary Countries) as they are known in the context of AGOA, enjoy even more advantage under the program. HH: When African textiles and apparel suppliers are looking to break into the US market, what should they consider? GAIL STRICKLER: First, do what you do well. The US market is very demanding, and very large. The United States consumes 25% of the word’s apparel, and buyers are always trying to find new opportunities for sourcing, especially in places that allow them to import duty free, like AGOA countries. US consumers are used to a very high standard in terms of quality and specifications, so make sure you are proficient and efficient at making your products. Look for the best opportunities for duty savings. In other words, look at those products that have the highest tariffs for imports into the US market. Understand how to navigate the HTS (harmonized tariff system) code. HTS is the system under the World Customs Organization that classifies any item imported under the global trading system and lists the duty rate for import into that country. Duty rates on apparel in the U.S. range from 0 to 32% and up to 35% on footwear: these are among the highest duty rates for any product imported into the United States. The reason that footwear and apparel offer such incredible opportunities for AGOA-eligible countries is because these countries can offer American buyers the chance to save up to 35% when buying a product from them versus another country like China. Of course, we believe the key to regional integration is through African exporters being able to create connections with not only US companies but through working with each other to develop a regional supply chain and to take advantage of Africa’s natural and human resources. HH: Do the garments have to come from raw materials produced in that country in order for the LDBC to take advantage of AGOA? GAIL STRICKLER: Actually the LDBCs may use third party yarns and fabrics, meaning the yarns and/or textiles used to manufacture the garments may come from anywhere in the world as long as the goods are cut and knit to shape and assembled in an LDBC. LDBCs may also export their products from any port in Africa: they don’t have to ship directly from their own country to the U.S. HH: What is the best way for African suppliers to take full advantage of the AGOA preferences? GAIL STRICKLER: The best opportunity to offer meaningful benefits to US buyers is on those products that have the highest duty rates. Among those products are knit and woven garments that are synthetic-rich, meaning they contain more than 50% synthetic fiber. So for example: 65/35 poly/cotton fabric is a very common blend used in uniforms. These products can receive as much as a 28.2% lower entry cost into the United States than other MFN (Most Favored Nation) countries. There are also high tariffs on synthetic knit garments like those popular for sports and workout clothes, running gear and similar applications. These are items on which AGOA countries can exercise a tremendous advantage. HH: What is the easiest way to find out the specific HTS codes? GAIL STRICKLER: A full listing of HTS codes is available online at http://usitc.gov/tata/hts/index.htm. All knit garments are found in Chapter 61 and all woven garments are found in Chapter 62. Some “made-ups” which include bedding, home furnishings, headwear and accessories can be found in Chapters 63 and 64. HH: Why are US buyers these days more interested in sourcing from Africa? GAIL STRICKLER: The duty-free advantages into the United States are a huge positive. Africa also has a large, able workforce and a good environmental record overall, something that is becoming increasingly important to US companies. African textile and apparel suppliers can take advantage of USAID assistance to enter the US market, as well as logistics help. Importers are always looking to expand their sourcing base especially when they can do so duty free.

10

HH: What are some of the challenges for US buyers in sourcing from Africa? GAIL STRICKLER: One issue is longer delivery times, which can be compounded by additional lead times required if fabric has to be imported first. African is less well-known to US buyers, although that is changing. Ensuring consistent energy supply in their factories will also be important for African companies looking to do business with the U.S. To mitigate longer delivery times, companies can make products with longer lead times such as school and work uniforms, and baby and children’s clothing. These items do not experience rapid trend change-over so buyers can place orders further in advance. HH: Why is the textiles and apparel sector such an important industry around the world and how do tariff advantages help? GAIL STRICKLER: The impact of a single line of a tariff on producers is significant: a five percent decrease in tariffs can mean the difference between a factory receiving or losing an order. In turn, orders translate to jobs, and jobs to putting food on the table. In the garment industry, at the end of the day, the bottom line is providing dignified work for those seeking employment. We want to broaden our idea of growth, to seek the kind of growth that encompasses not only blunt measures of increased GDP but also the ability of a mother to put her children through school and to feel empowered to speak up in the workplace. Gail W. Strickler, AUSTR for Textiles and Apparel, joined the USTR after almost 30 years in the textile and apparel industry. Ms. Strickler is responsible for supervising negotiations affecting textile and apparel products, advising the USTR on textile and apparel trade policy matters and working to expand the industry's access to foreign markets. In the past she served as President and CEO of Saxon Textile Corp and as Vice President of the Global Apparel Division of Duro Textile LLC. Ms. Strickler also oversaw textile research and development programs for The Institute for Textile and Apparel Product Safety, and developed sustainability and environmental strategy programs for brands and retailers. Ms. Strickler served as president of the Textiles Distributors Association for five years and has served on the board of directors of the National Council of Textile Organizations, the USDA Cotton Board, and the Fashion Institute of Technology's Education Foundation.

Our People

Each month we will introduce you to a member of our USAID Southern Africa Trade Hub staff: Nthapeleng Shai, Logistics Specialist Nthapeleng Shai has been a Logistics Specialist with USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub since 2012 and has over 20 years’ experience in office administration, starting her career working at Mosienyane and Partners Chartered Architects in Gaborone. Since that time she has had a full and varied career history, moving to the People’s Republic of China to work for the government of Lesotho as an Administrative Attaché and then relocating to Botswana to work in international organizations such as GRM (an Australian Company at the Botswana Meat Commission). Prior to joining the Trade Hub, Nthapeleng joined the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Health and held the position of Office Manager in the project that was attached to the Ministry of Agriculture. She holds a Diploma in Secretarial and Administrative studies from the Cathedral College and Computer Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

11

What is the most interesting part of your job at the Trade Hub? The most interesting part of my job is to interact with the outside world, meeting different people from a variety of industries. As a logistics officer I do a lot of networking. This jobs brings you in contact with people from around the world – what do you enjoy most about meeting people from different countries and cultures? It is exciting to learn more about the different cultural backgrounds of all the various Trade Hub staff and to be a part of their immersion into Botswana’s culture. What is your proudest achievement in your career so far? Coming to work every day with the aim to help make travel as stress-free as possible for all of our Trade Hub staff. If you could choose any other profession/job, what would it be? I love travelling, cooking and volunteering in community development programs, but if I had to pick one alternate career I would love to be a diplomat, traveling the world as a VIP and enjoying all the adventure that entails. What is the first place in the city that you would tell newcomers to Gaborone to visit, and why? I would highly recommend the National Museum and Art Gallery to gain an appreciation of Botswana’s history and its cultural diversity. Which famous person most inspires your work and life? I am very impressed by Oprah Winfrey. Her vision of inspiring others is commendable, and I appreciate her special interest in creating opportunities that enable underserved women to rise to their potential. Which country in Africa would you most like to visit, and why? I would have to say Mozambique. There is plenty to see there, including stunning beaches and islands: a World Heritage site. Ogaufi Kgengwenyane, Driver

Before coming to the Trade Hub in April 2012, Ogaufi Kgengwenyane worked as a driver for UNICEF Botswana and for ICL, a company that repairs electronics in different government departments. He went to Borobadilepe Primary School and Iphutheng CJSS, both in Barolong Farms in the Southern District of Botswana. Ogaufi is married with two sons, and he also enjoys going to his farm where he keeps cattle, goats and sheep. His hobby is breeding greyhound dogs, and he hopes to enter a national competition for breeders of greyhounds in the future. What is the most interesting part of your job at the Trade Hub? In my job as a driver for the project I have the opportunity to meet new people visiting from different parts of the world who trust me with their lives. I find that an interesting part of my job.

Your job brings you in contact with people from around the world – what do you enjoy most about meeting people from different countries and cultures? I have learned that even though we come from different parts of the world and different cultures: that does not prevent us from working together effectively and productively. What is the proudest achievement in your career so far? Ever since I started working I have not encountered any disputes, and my colleagues are happy with the job that I am doing. If you could choose any other profession/job, what would it be? A professional farmer. What is the first place in the city that you would tell newcomers to Gaborone to visit, and why? The Gaborone Game Reserve is a good choice because the visitor would have the chance to see a sampling of the animals that can be found in the southern Africa region in a place where they are kept and protected by the government. Which famous person most inspires your work and life? President Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama

12

because he takes times to visit people where they live to get a better picture and understanding of their lives unlike others who say they can change people’s lives yet don’t know the first thing about them or how they can truly be helped. Which country in the world would you most like to visit, and why? I would have to say England, due to our former colonial relationship with that country. I would like to learn more about their culture first-hand since they have been a significant influence in our country to date.

Upcoming Events

Renewable Energy Feed-In Awareness Workshop | 10-11 July | Lusaka, Zambia 13th AGOA Forum 2014 | 2-6 August, 2014 | Washington DC This year the AGOA Forum will take place concurrent with the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit. It is expected to be a defining Forum in discussing AGOA renewal and the nature of the anticipated AGOA 2.0. As always, there will be private sector, civil society and African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) participation. Awareness Seminar and Launch of the WTO Technical Barrier to Trade Enquiry Point and Notification Authority | August 2014 | Lesotho and Malawi Clothing Indaba | 26 September, 2014 | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Bulawayo Clothing Indaba, organized by the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers Association (ZCMA) will be held in Zimbabwe’s second capital, Bulawayo Origin Africa | 10-12 November, 2014 | Hotel InterContinental, Nairobi, Kenya Origin Africa, organized by the African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) and Trade and Fairs East Africa Ltd will take place in Nairobi. Origin Africa is a cotton, textile and clothing trade show focusing on business, trade and investment. Source Africa 2015 | 3-5 June, 2015 | CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa The third annual Source Africa textiles, apparel and footwear trade show (www.sourceafrica.co.za) will take place from June 3-5, 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.