Two firms that lobby the District government on behalf major corporations are accompanying and financing Mayor Anthony Williams’ ongoing trade mission to Africa, and a local watchdog group is decrying their participation as “influence-peddling.”

Some 25 people enlisted for the 10-day, $175,000 journey. Private participants paid to accompany the mayor to Ghana and Senegal for what was described as an opportunity to open doors to trade, share best-government practices and encourage a cultural exchange.