VOA'S AFRICA JOURNAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS USADF'S WORK IN AFRICA

WASHINGTON - January 23, 2007

Rodney J. MacAlister, former President of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), recently joined host Vincent Makori and guest Rosa Whitaker, President of The Whitaker Group, on the Voice Of America (VOA) program, Africa Journal, to discuss “The Role of the U.S. in Africa”.  The program was broadcast live from the VOA studios in Washington, DC to audiences throughout Africa and the rest of the world.

During the hour-long Africa Journal show, which included questions from callers in Africa and the Middle East, guests Rod MacAlister and Rosa Whitaker discussed how the United States is helping to overcome some of the social, economic and political challenges faced by Africa.  Rod MacAlister highlighted the distinct ways in which USADF supports grassroots organizations to help eradicate poverty.  “USADF invests $50,000 to $250,000 in small and medium-sized enterprises over a two to five year period.  These investments are delivered directly to our clients in the form of integrated packages of investment and know-how.”

One issue raised by callers was the need to ensure adequate transfer of technology, market knowledge and managerial expertise by foreign investors to effectively empower African entrepreneurs.  Mr. MacAlister used the example of USADF’s Buyer Linkages Program to illustrate how the Foundation meets these objectives.  “The Buyer Linkages Program facilitates commercial contact between US buyers and African suppliers, and promotes an equitable relationship between the two parties, resulting in a win-win situation for both.   USADF investments enable African businesses to successfully fulfill orders, so buyers receive a quality product, on time and in compliance with international quality standards.  At the same time, African suppliers are assured of fair conditions and prices for their products.”   The most recent example of a successful linkage achieved under the Program is Target Corporation’s Global Bazaar event, currently in stores nationwide and online, which features handwoven baskets from two USADF-supported enterprises in Ghana and Tanzania.

During the program, both Rod MacAlister and Rosa Whitaker recognized the moral obligations and deep interest of the United States in defeating poverty on the continent of Africa, and creating productive, income-generating activity.  “If you include public, private and corporate investment in Africa, no other nation is more generous than the United States,” stressed USADF President Rod MacAlister.  “However, unlike most forms of assistance, USADF operates solely at the grassroots level, providing support for the primary sector responsible for driving economic growth: small and medium-sized enterprises”, he concluded.

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Founded in 1980, USADF established field operations in Africa in 1984, and currently has active country programs in 18 countries.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded over 1,600 projects in support of African entrepreneurs and local Afri can communities. 

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