Senior African Transport ministers from South Africa, Algeria, Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria are being hosted by the United States Trade and Development Agency and the United States Department of Transportation.

Lead by South Africa’s Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters the visit presents an opportunity for officials to explore how investments in state-of-the art transportation infrastructure drives economic growth, in particular with reference to fostering economic growth through investments in rail, aviation infrastructure and partnerships within the transportation industry.

During the visit between 30 July and 1 August, the African officials will engage with US business executives, financiers and leaders of the diaspora communities to deliberate on building transportation infrastructure and investment opportunities.

The participation of the Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa (COMESA) will also highlight the significance of regional solutions to globally competitive logistics networks.

According the Department of Transport, some of the highlights in Peters’s itinerary will include a Transportation Roundtable with Secretary of the US Department of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, a Rail Yard Site Visit and Tour, an Investment Opportunities Breakfast, a Dinner on Transportation in Africa and a Site Visit and Tour at the Chicago O’Hare Airport.

This visit follows on from a memorandum of co-operation (MoC) signed in September 2011 between  South Africa and the United States of America. This MoC serves  as a framework for structured implementation of sector specific initiatives.  The agreement provides for cooperation in Infrastructure Development (Land, Air & Sea), Training, Skills Development and capacity building, Technology Transfer, Transport Services, Search and Rescue, Exchange of expertise, and joint ventures between South African and American companies.