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Export to African Markets

For U.S. businesses looking to enter or expand in African markets.

Explore all Export to African Markets Tools

Exporting Goods and Services to African Markets

Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, playing an increasingly significant role on the global stage. The continent’s rapidly growing middle class—forecast to triple by 20301—represents a stronger labor pool and more purchasing power than ever before. 

The populations within African countries are young, growing, and increasingly urbanizing—and household incomes across the continent are on the rise. By 2030, Africa’s population will grow to roughly 1.7 billion2, and the continent will be home to one-fifth of the world’s population3. Given that Africa’s infrastructure gap is narrowing and the continent is primed for mass industrialization, U.S. businesses are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for goods and services.

Despite the economic opportunity, companies also face challenges to doing business in African markets. A lack of infrastructure can present barriers to trade, and companies may need to vertically integrate to fill gaps in the value chain. There can also be high levels of competition from established firms or entrants with institutional support from their home governments. Businesses can also face information gaps about African markets.

To help mitigate these challenges, the Prosper Africa initiative empowers U.S. businesses to export to African markets by offering financing, loan guarantees, market intelligence, and more. The initiative brings together the full suite of U.S. Government services to guide businesses as they identify partners, advance opportunities, and close deals.

Prosper Africa Tools See all Prosper Africa Tools

Type of Support
U.S. Government Agency

Definitional Mission for South Africa Just Energy Transition Partnership Opportunities

Business Opportunity

Digital Invest: Mobilizing Private Capital for Internet Connectivity and Digital Financial Services in Developing Markets

Grant Opportunity

Food Export Association

Partnering for U.S. Companies Breaking Down Trade-Barriers Growing U.S. Exports

Money Smart for Small Business

Unpacking what’s needed to start and manage a small business in the United States

Market Development Cooperator Program

Partnering for U.S. Companies Breaking Down Trade-Barriers Growing U.S. Exports

Work with USAID

Use this resource hub to navigate how to work with USAID

Prosper Africa Virtual Deal Room

Matching U.S. investors with African businesses.

Small Business Development Centers

Full service support to start and grow small businesses across the United States.

Advocacy

Compete for foreign government procurements with U.S. Government support

U.S. Commercial Service Export Promotion Services

Get help finding markets and buyers for your goods and services

USAID-Private Sector Partnership Opportunities

Find opportunities to partner with USAID in advancing both business and development objectives

USAID Contract and Grant Opportunities

USAID competitively awards contracts and grants to firms to provide goods and services that contribute to economic development

USAID Development Innovation Ventures Grant

Access funding grant opportunities through USAID’s Development Innovation Ventures

STOPfakes

Learn how to secure your intellectual property

United States Patent and Trademark Office

Get patents and trademarks and learn about intellectual property regulations

Foreign Market Development Program for U.S. Agriculture

Collaborate with the U.S. Government to support long-term U.S. export markets

Credit Guarantees for U.S. Agriculture

Access guarantees from the U.S. Government to lower your financial risks

EXIM Loan Guarantees for African Buyers

Help your international buyers secure competitive financing

EXIM Financing for African Buyers

Get direct loans to purchase U.S. goods and services

EXIM Letter of Interest

Get your export financing off to a quick start

Sources

  1. Landry Signé, “Capturing Africa’s High Returns,” The Brookings Institution, Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  2. Jacques Bughin et al, “Lions on the Move II: Realizing the Potential of Africa’s Economies,” McKinsey & Company, September 2016

  3. Damian Hattingh et al., “Lions (still) on the move: Growth in Africa’s consumer sector,” McKinsey & Company, October 2, 2017