Women entrepreneurs are important sources of innovation, job creation, and economic growth, and critical actors in every aspect of the agriculture value chain.  The U.S. Embassy is pleased to partner with the American Chamber of Commerce in Madagascar (AmCham) to empower Malagasy women entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector to access U.S. markets.  More than half of AmCham Madagascar’s member companies operating in the food sector are led by women, but many of these companies do not take advantage of the lucrative U.S. market due to challenges understanding and meeting the strict standards and certifications required to export products to the United States. 

To address this need, AmCham will host workshops in Antananarivo, Toamasina, and Antsirabe for women leaders of food sector businesses to promote their ability to enter the U.S. market.  Women will learn the tools and networking opportunities needed to adapt their business strategies and reach American consumers.  These women entrepreneurs will learn about microfinance institutions and preferential trade opportunities such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

The project is funded by the POWER—Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise—initiative, a program supported by the U.S. Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.  This initiative supports projects that connect the U.S private sector with women entrepreneurs and business leaders to support women’s economic participation, better the financial position of women worldwide, and promote trade and economic relations between the United States and partner nations. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Madagascar.