Walmart President and CEO joins top U.S. and African business executives, African heads of state and the U.S. government to build relationships and strengthen business ties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 5, 2014 CEO Doug McMillon spoke on a panel
titled “Expanding Opportunities: The New Era For Business In Africa,” at the
U.S.-Africa Business Forum in Washington, D.C., earlier this morning.
The Forum brought together top U.S. and African business executives with more
than 40 African heads of
state and the U.S. government to forge strong
business relationships and increase market activity between the United States
and African countries.
The panel session was moderated by President Bill Clinton and explored the future of U.S.-Africa partnerships and identified new ways to strengthen business ties and enable greater economic progress. Others on the panel included the CEOs at Dangote Group, General Electric, The Dow Chemical Company and Shanduka Group.
McMillon reiterated Walmart’s commitment to the continent: “We’re investing in Sub-Saharan Africa for the long term, empowering African producers through hands-on training and using our global supply chain to connect them with our businesses around the world.
“Everywhere we operate we see that our customers have so much in common. Our customers in Africa want to spend less on everyday needs so they can provide more for their families. We want to help.”
McMillon also referenced the success of a South African wine producer, Seven Sisters Wines, that supplies a range of wines to 500 U.S. stores. Its CEO, Vivian Kleynhans, took part in Massmart's Developing Wine Brands Program, which helps local suppliers grow their business in South Africa and beyond.
Tomorrow, Walmart will further strengthen its commitment to empowering its supply chain in Africa by announcing a $3 million investment in three further farmer training programs in Rwanda, Zambia and Kenya.
Click here for more details on Walmart’s business in Africa.