Acrow Bridge’s Paul Sullivan Discusses Role of Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Stimulating Private Sector Investment in Africa

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 16, 2017 -- Paul Sullivan, Vice President of International Business Development at Acrow Bridge, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, took part in the Africa Business Forum in Washington, DC on July 28, 2017. The event, co-hosted by the Presidential Precinct and the U.S.-Africa Business Center at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, brought together attendees from around the world, including 25 Mandela Washington Fellows, young African leaders from 18 African countries, for informal dialogue and interactions among participants.

The day’s agenda focused on the current commercial environment in Africa and opportunities for encouraging economic growth, good governance and private sector investment. In the past, the Forum has allowed for the exchange of collaborative ideas and informed risk mitigation for sustainable business development in Africa. The event drew large multinationals like Walmart, UPS and Google as well as leaders from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that, like Acrow, are participating in African investment and commerce.

Sullivan presented remarks during a panel on “The Importance of SME’s in Strengthening Economies Across Africa.” The panel was moderated by Toni Weis, Africa Program Officer, Center for International Private Enterprise. Sullivan’s co-panelists included Ken Flechler, Chief Administrative Officer, Pike Corporation; and Dr. Robin Renee Sanders, CEO of FE3DS and a former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo and, prior, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Africa’s ongoing economic growth and development presents many opportunities for American companies both large and small,” said Sullivan. “As African governments pursue economic diversification through the development of infrastructure, the agricultural sector and an industrial base, there are clear opportunities for innovative SMEs to provide niche skills and technology in those broad sectors, or in evolving consumer segments, either in partnership with larger companies or directly in key regional markets.”

About Acrow Bridge
Acrow Bridge has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 60 years with a full line of modular steel bridging solutions for vehicle, rail, vessel, military and pedestrian use. Acrow’s extensive international presence includes its leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 80 countries, covering Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com.

Contact:
Tracy Van Buskirk
Marketcom PR
Main: (212) 537-5177, ext. 8
Mobile: (203) 246-6165
[email protected]