U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Side Events 12/14-12/17

All livestreams for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit will be accessible on this page. Wharton Club members & guests are invited.

December 14, 2022

U.S. Africa Trade and Investment Forum

December 14-16, 2022
Location: Klimpton Monaco Hotel, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Pan-African Council, Afri Business
Point of Contact: info@panafricancouncil.org

On the sidelines of the US State Department’s 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit, the US-Africa Trade & Investment Forum (#ATIF2022) will be a high-level B2B and B2G event consisting of roundtable discussions, networking functions, and deal breakout sessions with investors to unlock financing opportunities and strengthen US-Africa trade and investment.

The Forum will provide the opportunity to connect with high-level African government delegations, senior U.S. government officials, CEOs, investors, and senior executives of U.S. and African companies. Access a trusted network of 100+ business and government leaders while discovering new business partners while discovering the resources and tools to facilitate business trade and investing in Africa.

Buy tickets for the Africa Trade Forum 2022

African Youth in the Diaspora & Africa at the Forefront of African Scientific Excellence in Shaping the #AfricaWeWant

December 14, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: National Press Club, Washington DC 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045, United States
Hosting Organization: The African Institute of Mathematical Sciences
Point of Contact: Sampson Kofi Adotey, sadotey@nexteinstein.com

“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.” – Chinese proverb.

Africa, its people, and its leaders continually battle the double challenge of achieving SDG targets and adapting to climate change. More than 30% of primary-school-age girls remain out of school in Sub-Sahara Africa. Also, Africa’s contribution to global scientific knowledge stands at 1.1%. Consequently, Africa’s ratio of scientists and inhabitants currently stands at 79 scientists per million inhabitants, the lowest. Also, scientists trained in Africa often work elsewhere due to the lack of infrastructure and availability of resources. To meet the demands of a teaming young population at the centre of the world’s pressing challenges, including the food crisis, flooding, and economic downturn – there is a need for deliberate action through multilateralism and global effort to restore hope and enable growth. Thus, AIMS seeks to leverage the US-Africa Leader’s Summit to push for a resolution and legislation to back its #InclusiveAccess agenda in Climate Change, Health, and Economic Progress.

This session will also feature AIMS Alumni leading African Scientific Excellence in Academia, Industry, and Non-Profit work.

Women and IRF: Why their Concerns are Overlooked in Africa

December 14, 2022, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Institute on Religion and Democracy, 1023 15th Street NW, Washington DC, Suite 200
Hosting Organization: Jubilee Campaign
Points of Contact: Scott Morgan scott.morgan@protonmail.com and Lou Ann Sabatier lsabatier@21wilberforce.org

The Africa Working Group and the Women’s Working Group of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable will be convening experts on religious freedom and gender to discuss the multitude of gender-specific IRF violations that women across Africa are subjected to on a daily basis, and why this intersectional narrative is imperative. Among the countries to be discussed are Algeria, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, and Uganda, where gender-based religious freedom violations manifest in the form of kidnappings/abductions, forced marriages, blasphemy cases, and obstacles to accessing education and justice. Most importantly, this event will seek to address why many of these atrocities disregarded and how we can outline a path forward.

RSVP to attend “Women and IRF: Why their Concerns are Overlooked in Africa” on Zoom
Watch “Women and IRF: Why their Concerns are Overlooked in Africa” on YouTube

National Black Chamber of Commerce – African Diaspora Business Forum and Networking Reception

December 14, 2022, 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Naval Heritage Center 701 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20004
Hosting Organization: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Black Chamber of Commerce
Point of Contact: Jane Reindorf-Attoh, jreindorf-attoh@nationalbcc.org

This event will feature a networking reception and a panel discussion that focuses on the creative economy between the US and Africa. The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is hosting this event at the Naval Heritage Museum. The purpose of this event is to engage the African diaspora community and introduce public and private sector resources that can be leveraged for long term success on the continent. Find more information about the event at the registration link:

Register for National Black Chamber of Commerce – African Diaspora Business Forum and Networking Reception

Cost: $300 for NBCC members, $200 for non-member

Reimagine the Silicon Savannah

December 14, 2022, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Barrett & O’Connor Center, Arizona State University, 1800 I Street NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organizations: Arizona State University, Republic of Kenya
Point of Contact: Ekitela Moru, rjekitela@kenyaembassydc.org

Re-imagining the Silicon Savannah is a high-level roundtable, under the leadership and vision of H.E President (Dr.) William Ruto, at the margins of the 2nd US-Africa Leaders’ Summit on 14th December 2022 at 15.30H (EST).

The objective of the roundtable is to showcase the Republic of Kenya as the Technology and Environmental Sustainability Capital of the World, with KONZA Technopolis as the centerpiece of this ambition.

More specifically, the roundtable will:

Create an opportunity to share market opportunities, products, services, and investments in Kenya for technology companies, investors, and VCs. The Government of Kenya will highlight some notable bankable projects and initiatives in Kenya.

Invite partners to make announcements and commitments in line with Kenya’s development priorities in the areas of:

Presidential Climate Ambition on Climate Action & Carbon Removal.

Food Security, Water and Just Energy Transition

Business of Space Leadership and Deep Tech

Education and Entrepreneurship

Creative Industries, Film and the Metaverse

Invite participants to consider supporting and participating in Kenya at the Presidential Climate Action Summit in June 2023 and the International Alliance of Science Parks (IASP) Conference in 2024.

BCIU Ministerial Dialogue: Climate

December 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Conrad Hotel, 950 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hosting Organization: Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU)
Point of Contact: Calum Hill, Chill@bciu.org

BCIU will host a private sector led discussion to explore key themes around the climate discussion in Africa. The purpose of the discussion will be to explore partnerships that grow markets and expand opportunities for U.S. investment in Africa while advancing climate resiliency across key sectors in the region. The discussion will also explore initiatives that deliver growth and work to combat the effects of climate change. Areas of discussion will include: Protection of rainforest in the Congo Basin, Carbon capture and carbon credits, Climate Financing and the Circular Economy. Invited guests include the private sector, African delegations, the United State government, non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Closed Press and Invite Only.

BCIU Ministerial Dialogue: Food Security

BCIU will host a private sector led event focused on food security and agribusiness to discuss how the private sector can partner and collaborate with governments to create greater food security. The war in Ukraine has caused challenges that will have a large impact on short and long term challenges in the African Agriculture Sector. This discussion will create the opportunity for the public and private sector to discuss financial mechanisms that can help address the immediate food crisis as well as creating long term solutions for sustainable farming methods. We will hear from private sector companies who are leaders in innovation and partnerships with smallholder farmers to combat challenges such as draught, crop protection and mechanization. Guests will include the private sector, African delegations, the United States government and international organizations. Closed Press and Invite Only.

BCIU Ministerial Dialogue: Healthcare

BCIU will host a private sector led discussion to explore case studies of public private partnerships (PPPs) that have strengthened and created more sustainable health systems guided by the core principals of affordability, effectiveness and equity. The discussion will provide opportunities for collaboration amongst stakeholders. The dinner will discuss how health systems can and will continue to evolve and adapt to changing public health demands, national Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) action plans, the future of pandemic preparedness, and the interconnectedness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As well as how the United States continues to play an important role in strengthening health systems in Africa. Included guests with be from the private sector, African delegations, the United States Government and non-governmental organizations. Closed Press and Invite Only.

December 15, 2022

Gabon Business Awards – 1st Edition

December 15, 2022, 08:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant 1011 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hosting Organization: Orphan Care Ethiopia
Point of Contact: Naomi Haile, naomi.haile@orphancareethiopia.org

Please join us for a side event on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to highlight Gabonese Entrepreneurship in North America. As part of the summit, the U.S. will engage with leaders from Africa on several issues, including regional and global health and food security. Having international guests at our event provides opportunities for us to share and exchange new ideas, strategies, and programs. We expect to draw more than 100 professionals, advocates, researchers, and others from major organizations, foundations, educational institutions, government institutions, artists and universities. This event is considered to be one of the premier annual conferences on Gabonese Entrepreneurship in the U.S and Canada.

The goal of this Conference and Awards presentation is to coordinate efforts, bridge gaps, and comprehensively examine strategies to give more visibility to entrepreneurship for Gabonese Citizens in North America and to educate on business opportunities and strategies for start-ups and active entrepreneurs. Proceeds from the Conference will allow us to further expand our services and bring us closer to accomplishing our goal of bringing Gabonese people together throughout a Fundraising Gala for Gabon’s Orphans. We look forward to convening leaders from across the continent of Africa and the global development community to learn about Gabonese Businesses progress in America and to unite around the opportunities for continued investment. Please note this event is open to the public on the first day and by registration on the second day.

More information on Orphan Care Ethiopia

The Future of Africa Starts with Kids – Creating Local Solutions for
Vulnerable Children

December 15, 2022, 09:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant 1011 L St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hosting Organization: Orphan Care Ethiopia
Point of Contact: Naomi Haile, naomi.haile@orphancareethiopia.org

This event will focus on how we can empower local communities to address the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. USAID’s Rebecca Levy, Acting U.S. Government Special Advisor for Children in Adversity, will speak about the US Government’s Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity Strategy, and investments on behalf of vulnerable children. Orphan Care Ethiopia will have experts on hand to discuss ensuring family care and appropriate services of children outside of family care (whether in orphanages, on the street, or in prison), as well as family strengthening support for families stricken by poverty, illness, and war. Topics covered include why responding to the needs of vulnerable children and families is crucial to the future of Africa; how we can strengthen social protection and social services systems to support these families; and how local volunteers can be identified, trained, encouraged, and strengthened by in-country leaders. Perhaps most importantly, this event will discuss how we can blaze a trail for this vulnerable population into a bright and prosperous future.

More information on Orphan Care Ethiopia

Global Diversity Export Initiative – Opportunities to Export to Africa

December 15, 2022, 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: U.S. Department of Commerce, Hoover, Building, Main Auditorium, 14th/Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: U.S. Department of Commerce
Point of Contact: Larry Tabash, Larry.Tabash@trade.gov

This event will focus on Opportunities to Export to Africa. The program is open to any US company, but there is specific outreach to African diaspora communities. The main program will be 10:30am-12noon with various federal speakers and a moderated panel discussion with MBEs that are currently pursing business on the continent.

After the program concludes, there will be a brief break for a boxed lunch, and then we will have pre-schedule one-on-one meetings for the participants to meet with up to 3 Senior Commercial Officers from our posts on the continent and other federal agencies. Meetings will take place 1pm-5pm in 15 minute increments. The meeting schedule is being managed by the Global MEA Team. Companies will be able to register for meetings after they have paid for registration. Cost $50.

Register for Global Diversity Export Initiative – Opportunities to Export to Africa

Capacity is limited. No-on-site registration will be taken.

Investing in Africa’s Creative Industries

December 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Hosting Organizations: Atlantic Council, Semafor
Point of Contact: Alexander Tripp, ATripp@AtlanticCouncil.org

In partnership with the African Export-Import Bank, the Nigeria Bank of Industry, and Axxess, and in cooperation with Semafor, the Atlantic Council will host a public high-level event focused on Africa’s creative industries on the margins of the 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit on December 15 in Washington, DC.

Over the past two decades, African markets have unleashed the most significant digital revolution globally. Those markets stretch across a continent that not only includes 17 percent of the entire global population, but also hosts the youngest population in the world: 40 percent of the total population is age fifteen or younger. With the development of streaming services, mobile banking, and digital currencies, the digital economy has become vital for African nations and their partners. In fashion, from Dior to Louis Vuitton, the luxury market is influenced by African culture. In film, successful movies like Black Panther feature African artists. Additionally, streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have increased their reach to African audiences. In the music industry, Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid have signed with major American music labels.

The event will feature leading artists from the United States and Africa, investors, business executives, academia, and government officials from around the world who believe in the power of Africa’s creative industries.

Partnering for Our Shared Future

December 15, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Microsoft’s Innovation and Policy Center, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Foreign Policy for America and Microsoft
Point of Contact: Kristina Biyad, kristina@fp4america.org

Foreign Policy for America (FP4A) and Microsoft are hosting an evening reception to celebrate the Summit’s achievements. Featuring keynote remarks from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, we will convene visiting African delegations together with Members of Congress, civil society leaders, and private sector partners to who share a commitment to a strong, forward-looking partnership between the U.S. and Africa. The key themes include:

Supporting youth and next generation of Africans to lead;

Private sector leadership investing in industry that fosters sustainable and inclusive economic growth for future generations of Africans;

Connecting and engaging with African diaspora communities;

Partnering with African leaders and civil society;

Delivering concretely on the commitments and programs announced earlier in the summit.

The event will be closed press. Attendance is by invitation only.

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit The After Party

December 15, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Signature Lounge, 1727 Connecticut Ave., Washington DC
Hosting Organization: Jollof Gist
Point of Contact: jollofgist@gmail.com

To celebrate the successful completion of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, join Jollof Gist for The After Party at Signature Lounge DC. This Is an event dedicated to continuing the conversation around the future of Africa, bridging the communities of the Diaspora, networking and having a good time.
Get tickets for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit the After Party

December 16, 2022

Africa’s Future: University Partnerships, Technologies and Democracy, Investments, and Open Diplomacy

December 16, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: George Washington University’s Elliott School, 1957 E Street NW, Lindner Commons, 6th floor
Hosting Organizations: African Centre for the Study of the U.S., University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; Annenberg Center for Communication Leadership and Policy, University of Southern California; Center for African Studies, Howard University; Institute for African Studies, George Washington University; and Public Diplomacy Council of America
Point of Contact: Adam Clayton Powell III, acpowell@usc.edu

Forum on the future of African development, technology, public diplomacy, and university partnerships.

Get tickets for Africa’s Future: University Partnerships, Technologies and Democracy, Investments, and Open Diplomacy

The Eyes of Africa’s Culture: The Secret Power of the African Diaspora

December 16, 2022, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Kogok Hall – St. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, 10620 River Road, Potomac, MD
Hosting Organization: The Gala Gabon
Point of Contact: Naide Obiang, thegalagabon@gmail.com

The Gala Gabon (GG) is a cultural event hosted by the Gabonese diaspora in celebration of its culture and heritage; recognizing the power of African culture and its influence in the promotion of social and economic development and self-sufficiency. It also stands as a platform for African entrepreneurs and talents to showcase their contributions to the community. The 2nd edition of the Gala Gabon will take place at the St. Peter and Paul Church, located in the heart of Potomac, Maryland, on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 7 P.M.

The Gala is an opportunity to pass the cultural torch to our next generation of leaders, to create economy-transforming partnerships between the diaspora and the continent and to advance the economic prosperity of the African diaspora in the U.S.

Among our guests are friends of Africa, African businesses, entrepreneurs, local artists, and talents; coming together for a memorable cultural evening.

Cost: starting at $100.

December 17, 2022

Gabon Business Awards – 1st Edition – Night 2

6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Capitol Hilton
1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Together for Constructive Actions
Sosthene Akendengue, gabonbusinessawards@gmail.com

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