Cynthia Phillips Named to Direct AGOA Private Sector Forum

Washington, D.C. - The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) today named Cynthia Phillips to lead the management and planning of the upcoming African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Private Sector Forum scheduled for June 5, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Phillips serves as Vice President of Operations for CCA.

“I don’t think there is a more qualified person to handle this assignment,” said CCA president Stephen Hayes.

Phillips will work with a broad-based advisory group of businesses and trade organizations in planning this program. She gained expertise on AGOA by leading trade advocacy for DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the organization created by U2 lead singer and activist Bono to champion debt reduction, trade promotion and the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. She has also worked with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and has a law degree from the University of Texas.

“AGOA is very important to the United States. The participation of the private sector in Africa and the United States is vital to its success. Cynthia is in charge of this program to ensure that CCA and its partners have a positive impact on the future of U.S.-Africa trade relations,” Hayes added.

Ambassador Joseph Huggins, Vice President of Programs, will work closely with Phillips and will handle liaison with U.S. government agencies and the African embassies.

Inquiries to both should be directed to

CCA, established in 1993, is a nonpartisan 501(3)(c) membership organization of nearly 200 U.S. companies dedicated to strengthening the commercial relationship between the U.S. and Africa. CCA members represent nearly 85 percent of total U.S. private sector investments in Africa.

Visit CCA's website at africacncl.org.

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