October 29, 2022, was the 22nd annual Africa Day Business Forum hosted by the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest.
The Forum was created to build networks and opportunities for direct trade between the Pacific Northwest and Africa. The Forum provided events and panel discussions that raised awareness of trade opportunities with Africa and provide guidance on exporting and importing ventures. It was an opportunity for the Thurston EDC and Center for Business & Innovation to continue expanding its capacity to serve the African Chamber of Commerce membership for business excellence, growth and entrepreneurship. From the forums, Michael Cade, Executive Director, was able to have a sit-down meeting with Her Excellency Ambassador to the US, Marie-Helene Mathey Boo Lowumba from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to discuss Thurston’s entrepreneurial network and how Congolese businesses can access it. Additionally, the EDC and Center For Business & Innovation hosted and met with the Honorable Governor of Kasai, Dieudonne Piene Tutoko of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the potential of future trade missions to this region.