Cynthia Griffin, U.S. Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs 

“The U.S. Government wants to see the dialogue developing into tangible and mutual business opportunities”

Recognising Mauritius’s strategic position as a gateway to both African and Asian markets, Cynthia Griffin’s call to action was clear: active participation and collaboration are key to achieving meaningful outcomes. The U.S. Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs noted Africa’s growing significance in global trade and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering strong relations with Mauritius and the broader African continent.

The U.S.-Mauritius Business Summit event held on August 21-22, 2024, in Mauritius, brought together key stakeholders from both nations to explore and expand mutual business opportunities. Opening the summit, Cynthia Griffin, U.S. Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs for the Sub-Saharan Africa region, emphasised the importance of such gatherings in forging strong connections and fostering innovation.

“It’s events like these that bring like-minded people from across the U.S. and Mauritius together, to share ideas, technology, and make strong connections and business partners,” Mrs. Griffin remarked as she addressed the diverse audience of business leaders, government officials, and industry experts. 

Her words set the stage for two days of dynamic discussions and networking opportunities designed to create a fertile ground for business growth and cooperation.

We keep our objectives of increasing trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa as one of our highest priorities.

Highlighting the U.S. government’s commitment to nurturing these relationships, she stated that “we, as the U.S. Government, want to see the dialogue that will be taking place over the next two days develop into tangible and mutual business opportunities.” This sentiment underscored the U.S.’s proactive approach to enhancing trade and investment ties with Mauritius, recognising the island nation’s strategic position as a gateway to both African and Asian markets.

Mrs. Griffin’s call to action highlighted the importance of collective effort in achieving meaningful outcomes from the summit, which was carefully structured to maximise engagement and interaction among participants, with a series of stakeholder discussions, panel presentations, and networking events. 

Mrs. Griffin also underscored Africa’s growing significance in global trade, noting that the U.S. government has observed the continent’s vibrant growth, and is eager to continue fostering strong relations with countries like Mauritius. “As we continue to support each other, we keep our objectives of increasing trade and investment between the U.S. and Africa as one of our highest priorities,” she affirmed, reflecting the U.S.’s long-term vision for its engagement with Africa.

In her remarks, she detailed the extensive presence of the U.S. Commercial Service across Africa, emphasising the organisation’s role as a key facilitator for American businesses looking to enter or expand within the African market. “We currently have offices in South Africa, Angola, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya… And we have just recently opened new offices in Côte d’Ivoire and in Zambia,” she informed the audience, underscoring the expanding footprint of the U.S. Commercial Service on the continent.

Consider the U.S. Commercial Service as your first port of call.

Mrs. Griffin also highlighted the tangible increase in U.S. government support aimed at connecting American businesses with African partners, which includes new investments and expanded access to financing for U.S. products and services. “There has been a drastic increase of USG support that connects American businesses and African partners,” she noted, illustrating the depth of U.S. commitment to fostering economic growth across Africa.

For Mauritian companies and stakeholders, she offered a clear message: the U.S. Commercial Service is a valuable partner in navigating the complexities of doing business with the U.S. and across Africa. “Consider the U.S. Commercial Service as your first port of call,” she advised, inviting Mauritian businesses to leverage the resources and expertise offered by the U.S. government.

Reflecting on the success of the summit, and of previous similar events in Namibia and Zambia, Mrs. Griffin expressed her excitement about the growing interest and participation in these gatherings. “This is our biggest event to date, and it shows the appetite and interest that U.S. and African companies and stakeholders have in cementing their relationships, finding opportunities in business and investment, and ultimately, growing economies to the benefit of all,” she declared.

Mrs. Griffin also took the opportunity to acknowledge the critical support and partnership from various organisations and individuals who contributed to the success of the summit. She extended her gratitude to Ambassador Henry Jardine, to Ken Poonoosamy, the CEO of the Economic Development Board, and to AmCham Mauritius.