“US African Development Foundation CEO Visits Nigeria, Strengthening Economic Engagement and Partnerships”
The President and CEO of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), Travis Adkins, will be visiting Nigeria from October 16th to 20th. This visit aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment, announced at the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, to deepen economic engagement, trade, and investment ties with the African continent.
The USADF is an independent U.S. government agency established by Congress to invest directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs. Their investments focus on increasing incomes, revenues, and jobs through self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty.
During his visit to Nigeria, Mr. Adkins will engage with USADF grantees in the agricultural value chain, assessing the impact of USADF’s work in addressing food insecurity, improving rural farmer livelihoods, and enhancing agricultural enterprise growth. He will also meet with Green Village Energy Projects Limited, a USADF grant recipient, to discuss U.S. government support for expanding electricity generation in underserved communities through sustainable business models.
In Lagos, Mr. Adkins will deliver remarks at the All-On/USADF Conference, with a focus on increasing access to energy. He will also tour the Sunhive Limited project site, another USADF grantee specializing in renewable energy. Additionally, he will visit the Field of Skills and Dreams Academy, where he will meet beneficiaries of the Lagos State-USADF Employability Program, which aims to enhance vocational training initiatives for the evolving job market.
Furthermore, during a visit to Ady’s Food Mart, a Lagos-based agro-processing enterprise founded by an alumna of the U.S. Department of State’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, Mr. Adkins will highlight the significance of seed funding in supporting women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.
Speaking about his upcoming visit, Mr. Adkins emphasized the significance of Nigeria in USADF’s programs. Nigeria houses the USADF’s largest country program, addressing core programming pillars, including agriculture and food security, women and youth entrepreneurship, vocational training, job creation, renewable energy access, and support for creative industries.
“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,” Mr. Adkins stated. “We look forward to a vibrant week of engagements with USADF grantees and partners, U.S. Embassy and Consulate counterparts, and officials from the Government of Nigeria.”
