Fast-growing African nations becoming an increasingly important trade partner for St. Louis region

CLAYTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - In the search for global business and trade partners, regional leaders are developing new connections with rapidly growing economies on the African continent.

At a Wednesday conference, the St. Louis World Trade Center highlighted several local companies and institutions that had been building relationships in Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other countries.

Population on the continent is set to double to 2.5 billion over the next 20-30 years, creating new opportunities for trade and commerce in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, finance and other industries. The average age on the continent is just 19 years old, compared to 39 years old in the US and 45 years old in Germany.

Speakers and panelists discussed some of the recent eff