County governments, state agencies, and companies are all working together to foster Maryland businesses increasing exports to Africa, as reported by the Maryland Department of the Business and Economic Development.  Jessica Reynolds, an international investment and trade specialist with the Department, is organizing a global trade forum, Doing Business in Africa, on Monday, November 18 at the Montgomery Campus of Johns Hopkins University.

“In the past, it may have seemed like a scary or risky place for companies, but we now have dedicated resources to help businesses identify the countries and regions best for their market,” [Reynolds] said. “Everything is coming together. . . and Maryland recently opened up a state office in Nigeria.”

She said it’s a common misconception that exporting applies only to products—high growth areas are especially in need of construction, architecture, real estate and development services that sometimes require travel for American-based employees.

“There’s a lot going on around Africa and it feels like the right time to get everyone together in one fell swoop,” she added.

Montgomery County’s Department of Economic Development and Prince George’s County Department of Economic Development and Africa Trade Office are partners in this event, which will be Maryland’s biggest Africa-focused trade event hosted this year.  The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development is interested in working with additional county office of economic development to publicize this event to Maryland businesses throughout the state.

For more information, you may contact Jessica Reynolds at DBED, jreynolds@choosemaryland.org or (410) 767-6435.  To register for the Forum, see Department’s press release.