OPIC President and CEO Highlights American Investments in Botswana
July 18, 2018
(OPIC)
Gabarone, Botswana - Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) President
and Chief Executive Officer Ray W. Washburne today visited Botswana, where he
met with local banks to discuss investment opportunities to advance development
in the country, and visited OPIC-supported projects.
Among the projects Washburne visited was an OPIC-supported diamond cutting and
polishing facility that has promoted local job creation and diversified economic
growth by bringing more value-added parts of the diamond industry into the
country. Historically, diamonds mined in Botswana and elsewhere were sorted,
marketed and manufactured in other countries.
“This project is a great example of building a strong value chain that will
help a key African industry more fully participate in the global economy,”
said Washburne. “Africa needs more investment to continue to build strong
value chains.”
Washburne is traveling to Africa to explore investment opportunities and to
highlight OPIC's new Connect Africa initiative to invest more than $1 billion in
transportation, technology and value chains on the continent. Washburne has
visited Zambia, Rwanda, and South Africa and will continue on to Uganda and
Kenya where he will meet with senior government officials and visit additional
OPIC supported projects.
Africa is a longstanding priority for OPIC and accounts for about one-quarter of
the agency's $23 billion global portfolio.
As part of his National Security Strategy, President Trump highlighted the need
for a modernized approach by the U.S. government to development finance to help
grow aspiring partners, promote economic relationships, and increase investment
in regions important to American interests.
Learn more about OPIC's Connect Africa Initiative
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