Austin, Texas- Thursday July 12, Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce (CCAACC) board member Steve Wanta (Whole Planet Foundation), successfully completed the first trade mission to Kenya on behalf of CCAACC. The goal of the mission was to both establish a first point of contact with Kenyan companies and to serve as an ambassador and marketer for the region, identifying potential partnerships, collaborations and trade opportunities.

Kenya presents a growing economy expanding significantly in the areas of finance, telecom, and technology – areas of synergy and economic interest to the City of Austin.

“International trade is critical to jobs and innovation in Central Texas, which is why the chamber is proud to establish the first point of contact with Kenya-based businesses and key individuals,” stated Natalie Madeira Cofield, President & CEO, Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce.

Wanta’s visit focused on Nairobi, the capital and largest city in Kenya, and included notable meetings with Agosta Liko, CEO of PesaPal, an online payment platform considered the ‘Paypal of Kenya’ and the notable technology incubator iHub, which provide open space for technologists, investors, tech companies and hackers in Nairobi, among others.

Steve Wanta’s visit is the first of an annual trip that will be made by the Chamber to encourage business development, tourism and other advancements from the continent of Africa.   In February, the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce served as the first point of contact for the Brazilian market, leading an international trade mission to Campinas and Sao Paulo.   CCAACC also attended a trade mission to London to visit the tech-neighborhood of Digital Shoreditch with Mayor Lee Leffingwell in January.

For additional questions regarding the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce’s international outreach, please contact Victoria Lippman, (512) 459-1181, rvl@capcitychamber.org.

Steve Wanta is the Executive Program Director for the Whole Planet Foundation. He oversees the existing portfolio of microfinance programs and analyzes new projects for funding.

About the CCAACC:

The Capital City African-American Chamber of Commerce (CCAACC) promotes the development of African-American businesses and the expansion of the Greater Austin business community by providing resources, technical assistance, and leadership on policy issues that enhance economic growth and by promoting convention and tourism.  For more information please contact us at 512-459-1181.

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