The opening ceremony will set the stage for the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2024. Following the playing of the U.S. National Anthem, Mistress of Ceremonies Florizelle Liser, President & CEO of Corporate Council on Africa will introduce the high-level speakers to briefly welcome the Heads of State & Government, other senior government officials, and executive corporate leaders and attendees in their remarks and formally open the 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit.   

Over the past two decades, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has invested two-thirds of its portfolio in Africa, delivering over $10 billion in institutional policy reforms and infrastructure investments across the continent. Join MCC CEO Alice Albright, CCA CEO Florie Liser, and four African Heads of State representing current or former MCC partner countries as they discuss the economic benefits of MCC's programs. MCC's Presidential Plenary will focus on the impact of these initiatives on program countries and U.S. businesses, as well as advancements for their country and people. 

Infrastructure has long been considered as an investable asset globally. In Africa, traditional infrastructure has followed the same trajectory with a widening funding gap. Investment in Green Infrastructure has gained rapid momentum in the past five years with policy makers aligning regulations to capturing both the interest and large financial resources needed to develop those projectsCOP28 marked a turning point in the funding of Green Infrastructure projects. The United Arab Emirates pledged to create a $30 billion - ALTERRA Fund, climate-focused investment fund of which, $5 billion is earmarked for investment in developing countries. Africa focused infrastructure funds, pension funds development finance institutions and philanthropies are poised to leverage this investment and other such as the Alliance For Green Infrastructure In Africa (AGIA) and catalyze them. This session will bring together senior U.S. and African government officials, development finance institutions, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and asset management companies to build on COP28 conversation with a focus on increasing and deepening U.S. investment across green infrastructure value chains in Africa. 

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.   

Strengthening health systems in Africa has become a strategic imperative, with a growing recognition of the crucial role the private sector can play in sustainable healthcare delivery. Governments and organizations across the continent are increasingly embracing public-private partnerships to leverage the dynamism and efficiency of private sector innovations. This collaborative approach aims to enhance healthcare delivery, improve infrastructure, and optimize resource allocation. By engaging with the private sector, African governments are tapping into expertise, technologies, and funding that can accelerate the development and implementation of innovative solutions. From telemedicine to supply chain optimization, the private sector brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to address the complex challenges faced by health systems in Africa. This synergy between public and private sectors not only fortifies the resilience of health systems but also fosters a more comprehensive and adaptable approach to healthcare, ultimately benefiting the well-being of the diverse and growing population on the continent.   

Public sector initiatives such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Digital Transformation with Africa and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund as well as numerous national and multilateral strategies and plans have been launched in recognition of the burgeoning potential of Africa’s digital economy. In the private sector, major multinational corporations as well as small and medium sized enterprises have expanded their investments across the continent seeking to tap into the profit potential of a digitally enabled and connected, rapidly growing population. Despite strides made in tech hubs, a widening digital gap in access to technology and training and education persists, particularly in rural areas and among marginalized populations. This session will explore opportunities to expedite digitalization in Africa by bolstering partnerships to address critical bottlenecks, including infrastructure, regulatory harmonization, financial inclusion, skills shortages and market fragmentation on the continent.

By the end of this century, more than half of the world's population growth is expected to come from Africa, reaching more than 4 billion people. At present, the African continent holds a significant challenge of food security and resilience while at the same time has 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land. In time, Africa can reshape its food future through a coherent, strategic, and pragmatic approach to support entrepreneurship and technology in the agribusiness sector. To do so effectively it needs expertise, technology access and partnerships. The U.S. agriculture sector is one of the largest and most productive in the world, possessing incredible resources and expertise. However, the U.S. agro-industrial sector is almost entirely built out, thus reliant upon new markets for growth. This high-level dialogue seeks to build a compelling case for resilient strategic partnership to strengthen U.S.-Africa agribusiness partnerships. It aims to showcase impactful examples of successful U.S.-Africa agribusiness investments, providing concrete proof of the potential for growth and collaboration. Additionally, the dialogue will analyze the trajectory ahead, identifying both challenges to overcome and opportunities to be seized. 

Establishment of reliable transportation and energy infrastructure drove American economic & industrial dominance in the 20th century; renewal and expansion of that infrastructure is a focus of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act signed into law by President Biden in November 2021. The need for continued investment in Africa’s transportation, energy, communications, and other core infrastructure is likewise needed to drive rapid growth on a continent full of potential. To address the global infrastructure gap, the Biden Administration launched the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), including expanding the Lobito Corridor in partnership with the governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and other partners. Highlighting the transformational role of strategic investment and partnership in the infrastructure sector across the continent will be the focus of this session.  

COP 28 saw significant commitments to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy, including increasing the deployment of wind and solar energy and the transition to Electric Vehicles.  These technologies all require a secure supply of critical minerals, demand for which is forecast to increase fourfold by 2050. With at least one fifth of the world’s reserves of critical minerals, African countries are looking for partners to translate their significant natural resource endowments into a significant participation in emerging global value chains in renewable energy.  While the long-term prospects are bright, there are significant short-term challenges in attracting investment on the right terms to develop the ores, processing and infrastructure needed to develop these resources.  African countries have recently made significant progress in addressing some of these challenges, including through the development of the Lobito Corridor, focused in part on creating the infrastructure needed to develop this sector.  This dialogue will feature Heads of State in discussion with senior officials from the U.S. Government and companies about how best to realize Africa’s potential to play a significant role in building the net zero economy. 

Africa's energy future demands a delicate balancing act: ensuring abundant, reliable energy for development while prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability. This session tackles the specific challenges and opportunities surrounding financing for existing and future oil & gas projects, while acknowledging the vital role of renewable energy in the long-term vision.   Innovative financial instruments like blended finance and green bonds will be explored as tools for responsible development as well as strategies to attract private capital and ensure project sustainability while mitigating environmental and social risks. Opportunities for existing projects to adopt cleaner technologies and improve efficiency will also be identified. Within the context of global energy trends, climate change concerns, and technological advancements on the viability of oil & gas projects, the panel will examine the role of oil & gas revenue in financing the transition to a more sustainable energy mix. The session aims to encourage open and constructive discussions about the role of oil & gas in Africa's future energy mix while focusing on long-term sustainability. 

This session will build on the morning’s High-Level Dialogue by bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders with the goal of charting the practical pathway from theories and strategies to impactful collaboration between the African & U.S. public and private sectors to advance digitalization. The discussion will seek to address issues in the areas of physical infrastructure and accessibility, human infrastructure / workforce development, and the modernization and harmonization of legal and regulatory environments.  Among the key elements within those areas are the issues of data sovereignty, privacy, cyber-safety/security, and the implications across the digital domain of developments in artificial intelligence (AI).  Overall, the roundtable will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration, and develop actionable strategies to accelerate the digital transformation of African economies. 

Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) acts as a transformative force in enhancing U.S.-Africa trade, investment, and business. By breaking down barriers and fostering gender-inclusive policies, women's participation drives economic growth, innovation, and resilience in both regions. Investing in women-owned businesses not only promotes social equality but also fuels job creation, poverty reduction, and community development, making it a strategic imperative for fostering impactful trade relations between the United States and Africa. This topic will delve into strategies to collaborate on Women's Economic Empowerment initiatives in the private and public sectors, with a specific emphasis on fostering partnerships in the context of US-Africa trade and investment. From advocacy to capacity building and skills development to technology and innovation initiatives, this plenary discussion will explore ways to create conducive environments for women entrepreneurs and professionals, leveraging the strengths of both public and private sectors collectively to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity.

This session will explore innovative solutions and collaboration opportunities to accelerate energy access across Africa, reaching the most remote and underserved communities. Through thought-provoking discussion and data-driven insights, we will delve into cutting-edge technologies, financing models, and community engagement strategies that can bridge the energy gap and unlock brighter futures for millions. 

Panelists will explore the following areas. 

Demystifying the Last Mile Challenge: Examining the unique obstacles and disparities in ensuring energy access for remote and rural communities. 

Harnessing Innovation: Showcasing groundbreaking energy solutions like mini-grids, solar lanterns, and renewable energy microgrids, highlighting their impact and scalability. 

Collaboration is Key: Identifying effective partnership models between governments, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities for sustainable energy development. 

Financial Bridges: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance, carbon credits, and community ownership models, to increase affordability and investment. 

Unlocking Potential: Discussing the transformative impact of energy access on education, healthcare, economic development, and gender equality in Africa. 

For most of the world’s population, sub-national governance bodies – particular at the city / village level – are the most immediate and most impactful on daily lives and livelihoods. Whether in Dallas, Kinshasa, Lagos or Cape Town, the criticality is never clearer of delivering services to the population now while taking steps in collaboration with the private sector to anticipate and prepare for a growing population. Given the forecasted growth in African cities – the world’s ten fastest growing urban areas are all in Africa – and the U.S. Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy unveiled in 2022 calling for to “Rebalance Toward Urban Hubs,” partnering U.S. and African sub-national governance leaders and private sector experts is an imperative. This panel will bring together U.S. and African city managers, mayors, and governors with NGOs and private sector corporations to discuss the challenges and opportunities for democracy-driven governance that addresses the range of challenges from basic infrastructure, employment, eGovernment service delivery, medical care, education, food – the range of challenges is limitless; the resources to address them far more so. Shifting perspectives to view cities as an emerging investment asset class by supporting pro-business legal and regulatory environments, privatization, when possible, of services delivery, and long-term public-private partnerships will be explored

Africa has the assets to become an agriculture powerhouse: vast arable land, growing domestic markets, a maturing policy environment, and an upcoming demographic dividend. However, as many professionals developing agribusiness projects know, project development challenges often cause delays and cost overruns, which discourage greater long-term investments. Special Agricultural Processing Zones (SAPZ) are likely to ease many of these challenges, as is further work by governments and DFIs, such as the African Development Bank and the Development Finance Corporation to improve the infrastructure necessary to make private agro-industrial investments competitive and profitable. Unfortunately, the status quo remains that Africa receives some of the lowest amounts of FDI in the world, and among that, agricultural-related industries receive a tiny fraction. This dialogue is a frank conversation on what it would take to see greater involvement from the American private sector in the African agribusiness and begs a number of questions. 

Although Africa was a relatively late adopter of Special Economic Zones, it is now the continent with the most rapidly growing adoption of SEZs.  With more than 240 SEZs in 47 of 54 countries, they are expected to be important drivers of industrialization in Africa, as well as key beneficiaries of the African Continental Free Trade Zone.  As SEZs attract more investment from African and international companies, it is critical that they develop the right policies for sustained growth, while also contributing to the development of national and regional economies.  This panel will hear from SEZ managers, government officials and investors as they talk through how best they can develop their potential and boost broader economic growth. 

The immigration of Africans to the United States has accelerated since 2000, with the population climbing to over 2 million by 2019. African immigrant diaspora members are prominent in business, the arts, sports, and government, representing a direct connection with the continent with and through which to strengthen U.S.-Africa private sector connectivity. With Executive Order 14089, President Biden established the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE), seeking to both recognize the growing importance and influence of the African diaspora in the United States, and to be the natural channel the diaspora provides to strengthening relationships with the countries and people of the African continent. This panel discussion will explore how the African diaspora in the United States – which includes both more recent immigrants from Africa as well as the descendants of enslaved Africans – provides an “X” factor to advance mutually beneficial private sector-led economic growth. As Texas has the largest population of African diaspora members, this is a particularly relevant area to explore

Innovations in digital financial transactions are reshaping the global business landscape, and nowhere more so than on the African continent. In the absence of a single currency and harmonized financial regulations, digital currencies and payment platforms increasingly catalyze entrepreneurial activities particularly in multi-national trade & investment, as well as the $95 billion (2022) remittances in-flow from the African diaspora abroad. Yet, national restrictions on financial services and movement of capital create serious impediments to business and investment activities. Efforts to develop continent-wide and globally connected solutions to facilitate international business relationships include development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Digital Trade, as well as the launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).  This dynamic landscape propels trade and investment relationships with the private sector playing a pivotal role as a driving force behind economic growth.  This panel will discuss the practical implications of and potential for digital cross-border payment systems expansion to revolutionize financial transactions and banking services in Africa as a critical element to attract foreign direct investment and stimulate intra-Africa and global trade.

The global pandemic underscored the importance of improving Africa’s capacity to detect and diagnose emerging public health threats.  African countries made remarkable contributions in the detection and sequencing of the COVID-19 virus. Despite this, laboratory and testing capacity for early detection of diseases is lacking.  With and increasing population and continued economic growth, lifestyle related diseases or NCDs are predicted to have increasing public health impacts.  Against this backdrop, it is important to build on the lessons from the pandemic to expand the capacity to detect and diagnose diseases early to reduce morbidity and mortality. It is also critical to fully integrate early detection and diagnosis into health systems design and delivery, including financing and reimbursement.  Greater coordination and data sharing across countries and regions will also help share lessons learned and best practices. This session will feature corporate and government leaders talking through the most important challenges and their potential solutions. 

Strategic corporate philanthropy, community engagement and empowerment, inclusive business models and public private collaboration are just some of the ways that businesses can drive sustainable partnerships between the U.S. and Africa. This session will delve into the dynamic relationship between business and philanthropy, examining how strategic collaboration can foster sustainable development and positive social impact within the context of U.S.-Africa business partnerships. Panelists will explore innovative models, successful case studies, and practical approaches that demonstrate how businesses can contribute to philanthropic endeavors and, in turn, how philanthropy can enhance the overall success and viability of business ventures in the United States and Africa. 

African talent – whether on the pitch, the big screen, the catwalk or the stage - has for a long time shone a bright light on the continent, but largely only through their successes abroad. Despite a large pool of talent and recipients of multiple international awards from the Ballon d’Or to Olympic medals to Oscars, that global success has not translated into booming sports and creative industries in Africa.  According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Africa's share of the global creative economy remains significantly low, accounting for only around 2.9% of global creative goods exports, representing $58.4 billion and less than 1% of the African GDP.  In addition, Africa’s creative industries and sports sectors are faced with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to funding and markets, intellectual property theft, and an outdated and inconsistent legal and regulatory environment.  This session will highlight the key challenges hindering Africa’s creative and sports industries, as well as opportunities for investment and financing channels that are critical to unlocking and sustaining growth.

The Business of Aviation in Africa session will assemble a distinguished group of industry leaders, policymakers, financiers, and experts to deliberate on prospects for shared growth and advancement. The session will cover a diverse range of topics, including the expansion of air connectivity and the cultivation of innovation and partnerships within the aviation value chain, aiming to enhance collaboration between American and African aviation enterprises. The primary objective is to delve into a comprehensive exploration of the diverse opportunities that lie ahead, promising mutual growth and development within the aviation sector. This gathering serves as a platform for dissecting not only the potential benefits but also the challenges and strategies that can shape a robust, intercontinental aviation relationship. 

Prosper Africa is a U.S. Presidential-level whole of government initiative to strengthen the U.S.-Africa strategic partnership by catalyzing increased two-way trade and investment at transformative scale. This in-depth panel on Prosper’s recently launched “Africa Trade Desk” will highlight how Prosper works with partners to leverage innovation, technology, and collaboration, transforming U.S.-Africa trade into a dynamic, sustainable, and empowering relationship. Participants will learn how the Africa Trade Desk helps U.S. retailers diversify their sourcing, reduce dependencies on traditional supply chains, and embrace high-quality, sustainable products from Africa. At the same time, they will see how the platform helps aggregate and capacitate African producers with a focus on women-owned and small to medium sized enterprises and increasing AGOA utilization.  

This panel session explores Mauritius as a model for African ecosystem conservation. The panel will discuss the success story of the Mauritian Kestrel, highlighting the Kestrel's current status as the national bird and the establishment of Kestrel Valley as a sanctuary. The session also includes a case study on the rescue and rehabilitation of three rare reptile species following the Wakashio oil spill in July 2020 as well as the unique ecosystem of St. Brandon, its threats, and ways to support conservation through the St. Brandon Conservation Trust.

Significant progress has been made since the pandemic with healthcare being prioritized by policymakers across the continent. However, access to finance across the healthcare value chain has been and continues to be a challenge to healthcare delivery. Investments have been made in increasing manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and medical devices, with several significant partnership announcements. At the same time, the regulatory environment is evolving to become more investor-friendly through the operationalization of the African Medicines Agency. Domestic funding sources for healthcare, through central government funding sources remain constrained. Some markets are more dependent on external funding sources than others.  These challenges persist in the face of a range of pressing public health issues as well as coping with higher global inflation and interest payments on accumulated debt and the need to sustain investments in other priority areas, such as infrastructure.   

Healthcare prioritization needs to be accompanied by appropriate resourcing to ensure optimal healthcare delivery. While governments and international partners are keen to encourage greater private sector investment and collaboration, current operating structures are not always optimized to produce the right balance of improved service for patients and commercial return for companies.  Discussions are returning to the idea of re-imagining reimbursement and procurement schemes to make better use of existing financial resources, while expanding patient access to new treatments and medicines, which in turn will help foster the growth of a stronger health sector.  This by-invitation only roundtable will convene a select group of African Ministers of Health, U.S. Government health initiative leaders, multilateral institutions and private sector executives to explore partnership opportunities and discuss innovative financing models and strategies for implementing support measures to get the financing right.  

This roundtable session brings together key players from the US and African energy sectors to unlock the continent's immense potential for clean energy. Through collaborative brainstorming and open dialogue, participants will identify solutions to accelerate Africa's transition towards a sustainable energy future. High-level government officials, energy decision-makers, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives will delve into critical topics. These include identifying and harnessing Africa's abundant renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) for sustainable power generation. Additionally, discussions will focus on building resilient energy systems through grid modernization, mini-grid development, and energy storage solutions to ensure reliable and accessible electricity across the continent. 

A central theme will be mobilizing investment and collaboration. Participants will explore innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to bridge the funding gap and expedite project implementation. Importantly, the roundtable will emphasize empowering communities and fostering local ownership. Discussions will center on community engagement, capacity building, and inclusive energy governance models for sustainable development. Real-world examples of successful US-Africa collaborations in renewable energy projects will be showcased, highlighting valuable lessons learned and replicable models. 

By the end of the roundtable, all stakeholders will have a roadmap for action. Government officials will gain insights into innovative financing and secure potential partnerships with US entities. Decision-makers will identify actionable solutions to address energy challenges and forge connections with potential investors and technology providers. Energy companies and investors will discover promising investment opportunities, connect with collaborators, and gain insights into the evolving regulatory landscape. Finally, opportunities for collaboration will be identified. This roundtable session has the potential to be a significant catalyst for Africa's clean energy future. 

Resource constraints and the complexity of regulatory systems has been well documented. This has also impacted the level of investment from private sector companies in the African healthcare sector. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for robust regulatory systems that are responsive to public health needs. Post the pandemic, with the focus on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the operationalization of the African Medicines Agency, investment in the pharmaceutical and vaccines sector has been prioritized. In parallel, international partners have been focused on capacity building initiatives with several regulatory agencies across the continent.  

As Africa continues to make progress, it’s now critical to translate these initiatives into an investor friendly climate for new and existing players in the sector.  Early access to markets through efficient regulatory systems, ease of distribution and logistics, and transparent and well- governed procurement mechanisms will be critical for further sector development and improving public health. This panel will convene public and private sector leaders to explore opportunities to create an enabling environment for investment through efficient, transparent, adaptable and predictable regulatory mechanisms that leverage private sector capabilities through partnership and collaboration.  

This topic explores the pivotal role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) as engines of economic growth and innovation in both the United States and Africa. This panel will delve into actionable strategies aimed at unlocking the full potential of SMEs and bolstering their participation in bilateral trade and investment. From streamlining regulatory frameworks to enhancing access to finance and market opportunities, panelists will discuss pragmatic approaches to overcome barriers hindering SMEs' expansion into internet leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who will share best practices, success stories, and innovative solutions for turbocharging SMEs. By highlighting the significance of SMEs as catalysts for economic transformation, this session aims to inspire collaborative action and catalyze initiatives that propel SMEs to the forefront of U.S.-Africa trade and investment, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and prosperity on both continents.  

Cancer is one of the fastest growing diseases globally and Africa is no exception. By 2050, one in three cancer patients worldwide will be African. There is significant scope to improve health outcomes through early detection and diagnosis through broader access to diagnostics, training of frontline healthcare workers for early detection and early treatment access. This panel will feature leading industry and government experts to discuss practical steps that can be taken to increase the capacity for prevention, early detection and treatment. 

Africa’s continent steady economic growth in addition to a largely underdeveloped insurance sector have positioned the continent as the second-fastest-growing region for insurance globally after Latin America. According to McKinsey, Africa’s insurance industry is valued at about $68 billion in terms of Gross World Product and is the eighth largest in the world with 91 percent of premiums concentrated in just ten countries.  

Though the pandemic has limited the expected growth in the sector, with a compound annual growth rate of 7% per year between 2020 and 2025, nearly double the rate of North America, three times that of Europe and ahead of Asia’s 6%, the sector is recovering and poised to yield healthy and healthy returns to investors.  This session will highlight the new growth areas and innovative products in Africa’s dynamic insurance sector.   

This session gives an insight into how successful African entrepreneurs overcame familiar threats that face businesses on the continent. From oil and gas to telecommunications and automobiles, these African business leaders will share their entrepreneurial journeys and practical knowledge on how to build a sustainable business from scratch and take it to the next level. They will discuss actionable and proven strategies to identify an unmet consumer need, engage stakeholders, attract capital, and accelerate products to market. Their stories showcase the innovations that are driving Africa’s prosperity and contributing to global economic growth. 

As of 2023, Africa had a population of 1.4 billion people and a total gross domestic product (GDP) of $3.1 trillion. This primarily urban, young, internet-connected population with sophisticated and dynamic tastes is driving consumption, employment, and economic activities on the continent. Data collection, aggregation, and security leveraged through AI and various other technologies can fuel business intelligence and decision making to enable businesses to adapt to a highly dynamic market, stay ahead of the competition, and generate above market returns more rapidly. Key questions to be addressed by this panel revolve around the size of the data aggregation market, the reliability of data sources, and the imperative for establishing a modern, harmonized regulatory framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding privacy and combating cyber threats. Join us as experts discuss these critical topics and chart a course towards a data-driven future for Africa.   

AGOA has worked well for the sectors that have understood how to use it and connect with American importers.  Lack of awareness about the program, challenges in getting trade finance (especially for smaller enterprises), and difficulties in making the right connections to U.S. buyers or partners are often cited as factors.  This panel will feature experts from African companies and associations that have found ways to ‘crack the code’ to enter the U.S. market.  It will share lessons learned on what works, consider the role of administrative barriers and delays, and suggest steps that could be taken to further expand AGOA access and utilization – as well as changes that should NOT be made.

The pandemic and recent crisis have renewed African governments resolved to industrialize their economies. If other regions could mainly rely on fossil fuel to power their industrialization, the continent is well positioned to leverage a mix of fossil fuels and green sources of energy to foster sustainable economic growth and create jobs. Moreover, with the democratization of green technology, lower cost of acquisition and deployment, as well related financing, like the $4.5 billion Africa green investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced during the Africa Climate Summit in September 2023 in Nairobi, energy efficient industrialization is a more attainable goal. 

This session will highlight the mix of policies, financing and technologies needed to fast-track Africa’s green industrialization while leveraging all the continent’s resources.