The United States-Africa business summit, which attracts African and American private and public sector representatives, offers African and American businessmen and women, first-rate networking opportunities while at the same time providing participants with up-to-date information on practical business issues and specific policy matters confronting the US private sector in the African marketplace.

The 2005 summit, which is expected to be the largest event of its kind in the United States, strives to increase US investment through out Africa by increasing US private sector awareness of the many commercial opportunities in Africa.

The event, therefore, presents the Zambian private sector with an opportunity to forge links with their American counterparts and establish strategic investment and trade partnerships that will enhance their capability to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Generalised System of Preferences (GSPs). Probably such a Summit is what Zambia needs to tap into these market opportunities and/or initiatives.

Participation by key Zambian companies and public institutions that are investment and export promotion oriented would therefore enhance the country's chances of attracting the coveted investment in strategic industries such as textiles.

Running concurrently with the 2005 Summit will be an Artisan Fair. Those interested in displaying wares during the event will be required to send samples to the CCA's offices in Washington while complete contact information of the exhibitor is a necessary prerequisite for consideration for the fair.

The registration fee for the Artisan Fair, which excludes Summit registration, is US$1,500.00 and includes 8Ft. x 30in. table with skirting and two (2) chairs. There is enough space for 25 exhibitors so interested exhibitors need to secure the space well in advance.

A wide range of workshops will also be held concurrently covering such areas as agriculture, arts and education, energy and power, finance, health care, housing and mining. Others will be Regional groupings, small business opportunities, telecommunications, tourism and transportation and infrastructure.

The Corporate Council on Africaís (CCA) biennial US-Africa Business Summit will take place in Baltimore, MD, United States (US) from 21 - 24 June, 2005.

This event will also be attended by the US President George W. Bush, 15 African heads of State, three US Cabinet Secretaries, 100 African Ministers and numerous other prominent African and American private and public sector decision makers.