AmCham Hosts Wharton Students for an Enlightening Brunch

On July 20th, 2024, the American Chamber of Commerce in C?te d'Ivoire (AmCham CI) welcomed a group of aspiring business leaders from the Wharton School for a brunch at Lepic. This event, marked by rich exchanges and insightful discussions, underscored the strategic importance of AmCham in fostering U.S.-Ivorian economic relations. Distinguished participants included Mrs. Salimata Diaby, Executive Secretary of AmCham CI, and Alexandra Shulungu, Assistant AmCham President.?

Mrs. Diaby initiated the session with a thorough presentation of the American Chamber of Commerce. Her discourse encompassed the chamber’s mission, its organizational structure, and the diverse categories of membership available. She meticulously articulated the myriad advantages conferred by membership, including enhanced networking opportunities, advocacy, and access to vital resources for business development.

Furthermore, she emphasized the symbiotic relationship between AmCham, the Ivorian government, and the American government, highlighting the chamber’s integral role in promoting bilateral trade and investment.?

The interactive segment of the brunch provided a platform for the Wharton students to engage directly with AmCham's leadership. Mrs. Diaby elaborated on AmCham's affiliations, clarifying that the chamber operates in close collaboration with the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She underscored that all activities and initiatives of AmCham are conducted with the cognizance and endorsement of these significant entities, ensuring alignment with broader U.S. economic interests.?

Mrs. Diaby also addressed the selectivity of AmCham membership, intended for individuals and entities with a genuine commitment to fostering American business interests. This criterion ensures that members are aligned with the chamber's objectives and values. She detailed the various membership tiers and their respective fees, elucidating the benefits and privileges associated with each tier. These fees support the chamber’s initiatives and services, which are designed to enhance members’ business prospects and capabilities.?

In discussing the feasibility of starting a business in C?te d'Ivoire without AmCham's assistance, Mrs. Diaby illustrated the critical support that AmCham provides to American businesses in the country. She cited the example of Waves, a company that successfully navigated the local business environment with AmCham's support, underscoring the chamber’s role in facilitating market entry and operational success.?

The brunch also featured representatives from prominent companies, including Mr. Yann from CornerStone. These representatives engaged with the students, sharing insights into their companies' operations and their contributions to AmCham's mission. These interactions provided the students with practical perspectives on the chamber’s impact on the business ecosystem in C?te d'Ivoire.?

The event concluded with the Wharton students gaining a profound appreciation for the American Chamber of Commerce in C?te d'Ivoire. They left with a deeper understanding of the chamber’s pivotal role in fostering a conducive business environment and the substantial benefits of AmCham membership. This enlightening experience underscored the importance of strategic alliances and the potential for future collaborations, reinforcing the bridge between American and Ivorian business communities.?