The son of a renowned Taita Taveta gemstone pioneer, Bruce Bridges, has been appointed to a significant US-Africa trade committee, marking a crucial role in US trade policy discussions concerning Africa.

• Appointed to the US Trade Representative's Office Trade Advisory Committee on Africa (Taca) for a four-year term from May 20, 2026, to January 23, 2030.
• Mr. Bridges is the son of the late Campbell Bridges, credited with discovering the Tsavorite gemstone in Taita Taveta.
• The appointment comes at a time of increased US interest in Africa's critical and rare earth minerals, with Kenya being a notable focus.