Progress in implementing the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is attracting increased interest in investing in African countries in a broad range of sectors to take advantage of the removal of many tariffs, harmonization of trade procedures and collaboration to remove non-tariff barriers.  Thirty-one African countries are now participating in the Guided Trade Initiative to help companies navigate the new procedures and initiate trade between countries, converting potential benefits into real trade just as companies look to shift their global manufacturing posture to improve supply chain security.  These welcome developments underscore the imperative of the United States developing a clear, forward-leaning strategy to promote greater trade and investment ties with Africa.  Since 2000, America’s primary economic policy tool has been the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers qualified African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for many goods.  As AGOA approaches its current expiry date of 2025, this is an important moment to explore what steps the U.S. and African countries can take to boost trade and investment.  This session will feature senior U.S. and African leaders from government and the private sector, exploring how best to bring together American and African companies to take advantage of the historic opportunities presented by AfCFTA. The discussion will include specific recommendations for steps the U.S. and African governments can take.