South Africa: Wesgro hosted the Cape Town leg of the Atlanta Phambili delegation and reinforced the efforts to boost the economic collaboration and strengthen the ties between South Africa and the United States as a key trading partner and the world’s largest economy.
The event organised by Wesgro welcomed many distinguished guests which included US Ambassador to South Africa – Reuben Brigety-II, Mayor of Atlanta – Andre Dickens and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism – James Vos.
It also welcomed Minister – Tertuis Simmers, Acting Deputy Director-General – Ilse Van Schalkwyk and US Consul General – Allison Areias who also delivered the closing remarks and managing Director of Prosper Africa – Lisa Walker.
Atlanta Phambili is a strategic initiative which is designed to deepen the bilateral relations between the US and South Africa. These efforts leverage the institutional partnerships and diaspora connections.
This aims to foster collaboration in key sectors such as agri-processing, automotive manufacturing, boat building, green energy and many more.
Delegations of Atlanta Phambili explored investment prospects in the green economy. It majorly consisted of agricultural exports, advanced manufacturing and creative industries.
Notably, United States has always remained priority market for South Africa and the Western Cape. In year 2023, Western Cape exports to the United States reached R15.80 billion, spanning technology, manufacturing and agriculture.
Atlanta Phambili in Zulu and Xhosa is a subnational diplomacy initiative that uses Atlanta as a gateway to foster common understanding. It aims to grow shared prosperity and facilitate mutually exchanged beneficial knowledge.
Furthermore, the initiative taps into the rich ecosystem of Atlanta of educational and research institutions. It also considers Diaspora connections, creatives industry as well as economic dynamism to promote two-way partnership. It also supports exchange between US and South African leaders, institutions and businesses.
US mission launched Atlanta Phambili with a four-day trade and investment-focused roadshow in March 2024 which was co-hosted by Prosper Africa. The roadshow in Atlanta included events that were hosted in partnership with:
- Spelman College
- Georgia Tech
- the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa
- the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA), among others.