WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney is leading a trade mission in Southern Africa Oct. 29-Nov. 2 that includes U.S. business and state government leaders.

The group is looking to expand agricultural export opportunities in the region.

The mission is based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, but participants will engage with potential customers from Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“This trade mission is part of USDA’s continuing effort to tap into new markets for U.S. agricultural products,” McKinney said. “The Southern Africa region is typically a net importer of agricultural goods, but the majority of those imports currently come from Europe, Asia and elsewhere in Africa. We are excited about the potential to grow the United States’ market share and cultivate new customers for high-quality, cost-competitive U.S. food and farm products.”

Mission participants include leaders from the Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Nevada, North Dakota and Utah departments of agriculture, as well as representatives from multiple companies and organizations.