Southern Africa Working Group

The Southern Africa Working Group, chaired by former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Edward Perkins, responds directly to unique member requirements and interests in Southern Africa. The Working Group has charted an ambitious agenda for corporate engagement in the region. As its principal policy objective, the Southern Africa Working Group seeks to promote U.S.-SADC relations and to enhance CCA involvement in those relations. The Group has explored key issues such as the EU-South Africa Free Trade Agreement, security issues in Angola and regional economic integration.

In this capacity, the Working Group has been in close contact with senior State Department officials in preparation for the U.S.-SADC Business Forum in Maputo, Mozambique in May. The Working Group has hosted meetings with Special SADC representative, John Lange, Ex-Im Bank Chairman James Harmon, and a special meeting with U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Delano Lewis.

Past Speakers and Attendees have included:

• His Excellency Eduardo Dos Santos, President of Angola
• His Excellency Frederick Chiluba, President of Zambia
• The Hon. James Harmon, Chairman and President, U.S. Export-Import Bank
• Ambassador John Lange, U.S. Ambassador to Botswana and Special SADC Representative
• Delano Lewis, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa
• Ambassador Franco N'Dalu, Angolan Ambassador to the United States
• Witney Schneidman, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
• Ambassador Paul Hare, Executive Director, U.S. - Angola Chamber of Commerce
• Daniel O'Flaherty, President, U.S.-South Africa Business Council