Side Events

Peace, Trade, and Youth: Investing in the Future of US-Africa Cooperation

December 12, 2022, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
George Washington University, Linder Family Commons
1957 E St NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organizations: Search for Common Ground, African Union’s Youth for Peace Program, Social Science Research Council, and United States Institute of Peace
Point of Contact: Philip Oke-Thomas, pokethomas@sfcg.org

Branded, Peace, Trade, and Youth: Investing in the Future of U.S.-Africa Cooperation, this event gave an opportunity to African youth leaders, scholars, and peacebuilders to lend their voices to what they hope to see come from the African Leaders Summit. This half-day event featured multiple panels touching on democracy and elections, climate change mitigation, new industries in trade/investment, and digital technology in Africa. Please join us for multifaceted discussions on the future of U.S.-African relations from the viewpoint of the next generation. Included guest and participants were from the African Union’s Youth for Peace Program, the United States Government, development/finance institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society.

African Human Rights Leaders Summit

December 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual – registration link forthcoming
Hosting Organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Humanity United, POMED
Point of Contact: TBD

The event provided an independent platform to raise and integrate the voices and views of African human rights and civil society leaders, as well as members of African civic groups and the diaspora, ahead of the Summit. It considered ways to prioritize human rights and democratic governance in US partnerships across the continent and will aim to feed into the implementation of the broader U.S.-Africa strategy.

Mobilizing Africa’s Resources for African Development

December 12, 2022, 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Hosting Organizations: Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace, & Dignity; American Friends Service Committee; Interconnected Justice; Jubilee USA Network; The Advocacy Network for Africa; The U.S.-Africa Bridge Building Project
Point of Contact: Imani Countess, icountess@us-africabridgebuilding.org

Harnessing Africa’s domestic resources for development requires global partnership and new economic strategies. Participants shared the research, analysis, and action strategies developed by Africa’s most notable civil society organizations and parliamentary leaders.

Resisting Democratic Decay and Advancing Anti-Corruption in Africa

December 12, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011
Hosting Organization: American University’s School of International Service, and the SIS Africa Research Cluster
Professor Carl LeVan, levan@american.edu

Panel 1 on Resisting Democratic Decay: How can African publics (and US policy) defend democracy in the face of recent coups, increasing cooperation among autocrats, and new technologies undermining freedom?

Panel 2: What innovations have civil societies and governments adopted to counter kleptocracy? And what can other countries learn from the recovery and return of Abacha’s stolen loot?

Responding to the Global Food Security Crisis in Africa

December 12, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Location: 1400 16th Street NW Suite 201, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: InterAction

Join InterAction for conversation with implementors of USG global food security programs to learn more on how programs have adapted to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in the face of rising levels of hunger, increased food prices and disruptions to value chains. The discussion also highlighted the importance of coordination across programs and partners to provide comprehensive program responses.

This event, coinciding with the U.S.-Africa Leader’s Summit, provided an opportunity to convene representatives from the NGO community and USAID to discuss different front-line responses through USAID-funded activities. The discussion was an opportunity to share different approaches and evidence around food security and nutrition responses as we approach the one-year mark since the crisis began.

This was a hybrid event.

Semafor Africa Summit

December 12, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Gallup Organization, 901 F St. NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Semafor
Point of Contact: Niharika Acharya, events@semafor.com

Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. The continent’s young population, its rapid adoption of technology, and its key role in the global shift to renewable energy is drawing attention and renewed interest. Yet, challenges remain with economic headwinds and disruptions from the pandemic.

Against this backdrop and on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, Semafor convened African and American leaders, business chiefs, innovators, entrepreneurs, and civil society leaders for discussions on a range of timely topics including bilateral relations, economy, technology, trade, climate, and sustainable progress across the continent.

Rebalancing Toward Urban Hubs

December 12, 2022, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW Washington, DC 20036
Hosting Organization: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and The Charter Cities Institute (CCI)
Point of Contact: Mr. Carl Peterson, carl@cci.city

The Charter Cities Institute (CCI) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) co-hosted a private, high-level roundtable titled “Rebalancing Toward Urban Hubs” on the margins of the on U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. This roundtable was in reaction to the U.S. government’s recently announced U.S. Strategy Towards Sub-Saharan Africa. The roundtable was preceded by a policy brief titled “The U.S. Rebalance Toward Urban Africa” to help frame the discussion. With the world having surpassed 8 billion people on November 15, and the bulge of the population growth happening in African cities, an adequate solution is needed to address the rapid urban growth of the continent, and this roundtable aimed to develop the conversation around addressing this rapid urban growth in line with the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit’s efforts to “advance U.S.-African collaboration on the most pressing global and regional priorities of our day.”

Advancing Synergies between the U.S. and African Countries in Just Energy Transitions

December 12, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
1779 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organizations: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Point of Contact: Africa Program, africaprogram@ceip.org

Climate change is a defining issue for the African continent and was sure to feature prominently at the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. this month. Synergies exist between the United States’ strategic interests in global climate action and African priorities for a just energy transition to a low-carbon future. These shared goals offer potential for job creation, increased productivity, and shared prosperity. What other opportunities and risks are involved in the pursuit of these shared goals? How can the U.S. and African countries advance this energy transition meaningfully for all nations? The Carnegie Endowment was honored to welcome presidents from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and senior U.S. government officials for a program on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. His Excellency President Hage Geingob of the Republic of Namibia and the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory Meeks, shared in a lively discussion on the United States’ global leadership in clean energy technology and African priorities for a just energy transition.

Conversation on Women and Trade: Advancing African and Diaspora Women in the Global Marketplace

December 12, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB), Main Auditorium, Howard University,2201 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Howard University Center for African Studies
Point of Contact: Ania Ueno, ania.ueno@howard.edu

The Howard University Center for African Studies, Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership, and the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center were pleased to host a conversation with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative; Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; Marisa Lago, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade; Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC Geneva; Rahama Wright, Founder and CEO of Shea Yaleen, and others on Women and Trade: Advancing African and Diaspora Women in the Global Marketplace. This conversation, on the eve of the U.S.-Africa Leader’s Summit, focused on gender equity and equality and ensuring that women from the African Diaspora thrive in the global marketplace.

The event capacity was 80 individuals.

More information on the Conversation on Women and Trade

Technology Driven Africa – Advancing the Digitalization Agenda

December 12, 2022, 2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Covington & Burling LLP, 850 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20268
Hosting Organization: Corporate Council on Africa, Covington & Burling
Point of Contact: TBD

This Forum focused on the drivers of Africa’s digital transformation and the public and private sector opportunities for collaboration toward achieving the continent’s digital agenda. By convening African Heads of State, U.S. government officials, and industry leaders from the U.S. and across Africa, the Forum highlighted the remarkable digital challenges and opportunities while advancing U.S. and African private and public sector partnerships to seek increased contributions to improving the socioeconomic landscape of the continent through technology. The event featured signing of agreements between U.S. and African private sector and government attendees. Attendance by invitation and registration only.

Advancing Impact and Innovation in Africa

December 12, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Gathering Spot, 1720 I Street NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Milken Institute, Invest Africa US
Point of Contact: Maria Jose Ochoa, Mochoa@milkeninstitute.org

This discussion convened government officials and business leaders and explored how finance can be a force for good in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. The dialogue focused on advancing impact and innovation on the continent while addressing global challenges and achieving shared global goals. Topics of discussion included sustainable finance, access to capital, and investing with impact as we advance economic and social mobility.

Honoring First Ladies of Africa

December 12, 2022, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Hosting Organizations: Women United Foundation, Afro Creative Ecosystem Foundation
Points of Contact: Deborah Elizabeth, deborah@womenunitedfoundation.org; Daphna Ziman, info@womenunitedfoundation.org

Media, Live Entertainment, and Panel with African First Ladies, cocktail and heavy hor’douvers served, Global entertainers Fally Ipupa, Tekno and Youssou N’Dour, President of Central Africa Faustin Archang Touadera, President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, President Sassou Nguesso, First Ladies of Madagascar, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, DRC, RDC, The Gambia, Gabon, Burundi.

A New Movement to Recover, Invest, and Build the Future Africa

December 12, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Location: John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
Hosting Organization: Africa Mbele
Point of Contact: Pamela Johnson, pamela.johnson@africambele.org

Africa Mbele (AM) – the new leading U.S.-based international organization mobilizing the African diaspora’s strategic engagement in support of greater transparency and accountability in sustainable infrastructure investment and development—announced details for its inaugural Annual Global Transparency Day Awards Gala celebrating the vast contributions of the global diaspora in moving the economic prosperity of Africa’s future forward. The AM’s black-tie Awards Gala took place at the historic John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C., on Monday, December 12, 2022 at 6 P.M.

Under the theme of “A New Movement to Recover, Invest, and Build the Future Africa”, the AM Gala recognized both the progress made in the fight against corruption in Africa and brought to focus on a roadmap for the work still left to accomplish that was led by African leaders and the Diaspora. The AM Global Transparency Day Awards Gala convened on the sidelines of the opening of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

The Gala brought together the diaspora and a host of distinguished notables including heads of state, diplomats, government officials, multilateral, business and civil society leaders, scholars, entertainers, journalists, and other leading figures for an unforgettable African-centered evening.

During the ceremony, AM honored the first recipient of the Africa Mbele Global Citizen & Humanitarian Award. This Award was presented to a leader or organization who has or is making a tangible contribution to the fight against corruption and embodies the mission of the Africa Mbele’s movement to integrate the African diaspora in accelerating the implementing policies and tools to support diaspora investment in innovative sustainable projects in Africa.

Nutrition Investment in Africa

December 12, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: National Press Club, 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organizations: African Development Bank Group, African Leaders for Nutrition Initiative, African Union Commission, Nutrition CEO Council
Point of Contact: Jenny Vanyur, jvanyur@hki.org

Please join us for a side event on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to highlight investments in nutrition in Africa and greet colleagues from around the world. As part of the summit, the U.S. engaged with leaders from Africa on several issues, including regional and global health and food security. Nutrition is an essential part of development and is inseparable from the current global food crisis. Nutrition plays a foundational role in a child’s development and a country’s ability to prosper. We looked forward to convening leaders from across the continent of Africa and the global development community to learn about progress during the African Year of Nutrition and unite around the opportunities for continued investment and prioritization of nutrition. Please note this event was by invitation only.

Conservation in Africa: Gateways for Human Development and Sustainability

December 12, 2022, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
By Invite Only
Hosting Organization: International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF)
Point of Contact: Roy Allen Howell, rhowell@issfoundation.us

ICCF hosted a dinner reception on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, on Monday, December 12th, featuring leaders of African governments and co-chairs of the U.S. Congressional International Conservation Caucus, to discuss the conservation and development challenges that African leaders are confronting at a national and regional level. Invited guests included Members of Congress, U.S. government officials, and leaders from multilateral institutions, businesses, and nongovernmental organizations.

Making the case: Investment in Basic Education and Foundational Learning
Works, Including for Girls

December 13, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hosting Organization: UNESCO; Global Education Monitoring Report at UNESCO
Point of Contact: Sarah Josephine Kiyenje, j.kiyenje@unesco.org

President Biden hosted leaders from Africa on December 13-15, 2022 for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. As the meeting discussed increased cooperation on global priorities, undoubtedly education remains a priority. In the midst of the global pandemic, investing in education and learning has become ever more important to ensure sustainable development. Seizing the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on financing for basic education based on the evidence from what works, the session, held on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, shared high impact stories; presented evidence and trends on education financing and education outcomes including on foundational learning and girls’ education; and gathered reflections on the issue from education thought-leaders across key agencies.

We cannot win the fight against poverty without girls and boys getting an education and achieving the basics. When we invest in the foundations of literacy and numeracy and get this right, it means that children can progress in their education and unlock their potential. This is true for children in Africa as well as those living in Europe, the Americas and Asia. As a fundamental human right, education is an essential input for sustainable development. Better education leads to greater prosperity, better health outcomes, improved gender equality, higher social and human capital and stability. With returns to both individuals and society, education is a driver for sustainable development and a catalyst for the achievement of the 2030 agenda adopted by the international community in 2015.

While Sustainable Development Goal 4 focusses specifically on Education, to take on and achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their respective targets, education systems must be capacitated to better deliver learning.

Redoubling efforts to move the needle and help countries furthest behind is a shared responsibility yet funding for education is reducing from donors. Overall, bilateral donors collectively decreased their aid directly earmarked to education by US $349 million from 2019 to 2020, with 26 bilateral donors reducing their direct commitments to education in 2020 (Education Finance Watch 2022).

New evidence from the Spotlight Series on the state of learning across Africa produced by the Global Education Monitoring Report, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the African Union, found that only one in five children who reach the end of primary school in Africa achieve the minimum proficiency level required for them to continue their education and fulfill their potential. In 27 out of 29 countries for which there is data on learning, only a minority of in-school children achieve minimum proficiency, and this number does not account for children who are not enrolled or who have dropped out of school (Born to Learn, 2022).

Many African countries are refocusing efforts on building foundational literacy and numeracy competencies in early grades as a prerequisite for more complex learning in later grades. There is a clear role for donors to support national government efforts to transform education by continuing to fund basic education, in particular strategies that build on what is known to work to further learning and equity.

More information on Investment in Basic Education and Foundational Learning Works, Including for Girls

Trade, Investment and Debt in U.S. – Africa Relations

December 13, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Yours Truly DC Hotel
1143 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20037.
Hosting Organization: Afronimicslaw and Open Society Africa
Point of Contact: Sarah Vaugeois, sarahbrachtvaugeois@gmail.com

In 2025, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA), which provides African countries duty-free access for over 1,800 products to the United States will expire. AGOA has enjoyed bipartisan congressional support since its enactment. Its renewal will be crucial in supporting Africa’s recovery from the economic downturn occasioned by the COVID19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the inflationary pressures sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. is also exploring bilateral trade agreements with some African countries. At the same time, African countries are implementing a continent-wide trade agreement, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, (AfCFTA). African countries are at an advanced state in their negotiations on the investment and intellectual property protocols. The consistency of bilateral trade agreements between individual African countries with the pan-African goals of the AfCFTA continues to raise concerns.

Many African countries have also experienced unprecedented levels of indebtedness, a problem compounded by the multiple crises referred to above. The variety of initiatives defined so far to deal with this indebtedness such as the G20’s Common Framework have proved far too inadequate.

This public event was hosted by Afronomicslaw.org – the leading forum on international economic law issues relating to Africa, and Open Society Africa. Participants were invited to join us for a reception immediately following the panel discussion.

Invest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

December 13, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New
Hampshire Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: The DRC National Investments Promotion Agency (ANAPI) and USAID
Point of Contact: Palthi Vibilai, pvibila@investindrc.com palvithik@gmail.com

ANAPI and USAID were pleased to invite you to a panel discussion focused on the DRC investment environment on December 13 in Washington, DC on the margins of Day 1 of the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

This event highlighted the opportunity set for investing in the DRC, in particular why now is
the time to invest, and the trends, business climate, and tools available to support investors and firms.

The panel discussion was from 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. followed by a cocktail reception attended by DRC government officials, development finance investors, impact funds, and business executives that were currently active or seeking to be active in the DRC

Africa To The World: Diaspora Forum Mixer

December 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Focus DC, 1348 H Street NE, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: TAB Productions
Point of Contact: tabproductions@gmail.com

The DC area has always been fertile ground for the most intelligent, driven and creative African leaders. On Tuesday, December 13th, as a side event for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, join us for an evening of community, connection and culture at the popular and African-owned social lounge, Focus DC. #AfricaToTheWorld is not just a hashtag…it’s a movement that celebrates the power of Africans around the world using their gifts to generate impact and change lives. This evening brought African and Diaspora communities together for an evening of networking and continued dialogue about fostering stronger ties together.

The State of U.S.-Africa Relations: The People’s Summit

December 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: U.S. Africa Institute
Point of Contact: Dr. Tadios Belay, Tbelay@usainstitute.org

The U.S. Africa Institute (USAI) is a 501(c)(3) international not-for-profit organization established to advance the strategic relations between the United States of America and Africa through education and exchange programs. USAI helps foster greater understanding and build capacity and professional excellence in teaching, research, and cross-cultural collaboration utilizing in-person and virtual modalities between institutions in the U.S. and in Africa.

U.S. Africa Institute organized ‘The State of U.S.-Africa Relations: The People’s Summit’ on Dec. 13th from 5PM EST to 8PM EST on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC.

The State of U.S.-Africa Relations: The People’s Summit hosted a week of art, speakers, debate, workshops, panel discussions, book signing and community conversation and mixer engaging people of African descent both in the diaspora and on the continent of Africa to discuss the U.S. Africa relations pertaining to education, development, democracy and peace building, public diplomacy, and U.S. foreign policy towards Africa. We convened The People’s Summit to ensure meaningful participation and inclusion of Africans and the voice of the African diaspora were heard in any and all discussion about Africa. We strongly believe that discourse on Africa should be led by Africans, and fundamentally should include the voice of women, girls and young people in the diaspora and on the continent of Africa.

U.S. Africa Institute also hosted a virtual panel discussion on Saturday, Dec 10th from 8AM PST to 10AM PST titled “The State of U.S. Africa Relations: Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Perspectives”. Our panelists were Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni who represented Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe and Liberia. The Alumni shared their work and perspectives on the state of U.S. and Africa relations. Link to the event was shared on our social media platforms on Twitter @USA_Institute and Facebook and LinkedIn accounts.   

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit advanced U.S.-African collaboration on the most pressing global and regional priorities of our day. It reflected the breadth and depth of American partnerships with African governments, businesses, civil society, and citizens –partnerships based on dialogue, respect, and shared values that harness the ingenuity and creativity of our peoples.

Virginia African Diaspora Committee Roundtable and Reception

December 13, 2022, 1730-2030
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Hosting Organization: Virginia African Diaspora Committee
Points of Contact: Bo Machayo, bomachayo@gmail.com; Princess Philomena Desmond-Ogugua, philomenadesmond@gmail.com; vaafricadiaspora@gmail.com

This private roundtable and reception focused on how the United States can partner with Africa to leverage regional integration efforts, the African diaspora, and Congress to increase investment and collaboration on US-African foreign policy issues ranging from trade, banking, agriculture, culture, rare earth, and infrastructure issues. The Virginia African Diaspora Committee hosted this event with United States Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine along with invited guests from Congress, African Heads of State and Government, and officials from the Biden-Harris Administration. This event was followed by a reception with the African diaspora community and private sector stakeholders following the roundtable.

Celebrating the African Diaspora: “Toward a Collaborative U.S.- Africa Policy”

December 13, 2022, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1333 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Hosting Organizations: Center for American Progress, African-American Institute, African Diaspora Network, The Africa Center
Point of Contact: Anne-Marea Griffin, agriffin@americanprogress.org

This event brought together key individuals and organizations in celebration of the African Diaspora and raised awareness about ongoing strategies dedicated to renewing and sustaining policy and advocacy efforts that prioritize Africa and African voices. Invitees included African heads of state, representatives from the African diplomatic corps and the African Union, senior U.S. policy makers, and members and affiliates of groups which recognize the strength and potential of the African Diaspora.

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 sought to leverage the U.S.-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 also featured 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 convened 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 were 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 sought to address why many of these atrocities disregarded and how we can outline a path forward.

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 featured a networking reception and a panel discussion that focused on the creative economy between the U.S. and Africa. The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) hosted this event at the Naval Heritage Museum. The purpose of this event was to engage the African diaspora community and introduce public and private sector resources that can be leveraged for long term success on the continent.

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 was a high-level roundtable, under the leadership and vision of H.E President (Dr.) William Ruto, at the margins of the 2nd U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit on 14th December 2022 at 15.30H (EST).

The objective of the roundtable was 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:

• Created an opportunity to share market opportunities, products, services, and investments in Kenya for technology companies, investors, and VCs. The Government of Kenya highlighted some notable bankable projects and initiatives in Kenya.
• Invited 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
• Invited 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.

Breaking Bold: Africa’s Leadership in Transformative Solutions to Intersecting Global Challenges

December 14, 2022, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Skyline 609, Washington, DC
Hosting Organization: Africa Soft Power
Point of Contact: Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, nkiru@africasoftpower.com

Join Africa Soft Power for an in-person leadership session on December 14th (4pm – 6:30pm) on the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 in Washington, DC.

The event “On the Frontlines: Africa’s leadership in transformative solutions to intersecting global challenges” focused on African women’s leadership, the creative and cultural industries and insecurity in the Sahel region.

• What roles can the private and public sector stakeholders play in strengthening the capacity of the continent to respond to global challenges?
• Why do women need to be at the heart of action aimed at addressing global issues such as climate change, insecurity, etc?
• Why are the creative industries vital to encouraging active participation amongst underrepresented groups on the continent?
• How can local and international institutions/actors better support systems change within key sectors such as health, law, finance, media, academia, etc?
• What is the future for Africa’s business ecosystem and how do we shape it?

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 hosted a private sector led discussion to explore key themes around the climate discussion in Africa. The purpose of the discussion was 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 also explored initiatives that deliver growth and work to combat the effects of climate change. Areas of discussion included: Protection of rainforest in the Congo Basin, Carbon capture and carbon credits, Climate Financing and the Circular Economy. Invited guests included 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

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 hosted 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 created 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 heard 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 included the private sector, African delegations, the United States government and international organizations. Closed Press and Invite Only.

BCIU Ministerial Dialogue: Healthcare

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 hosted 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 provided opportunities for collaboration amongst stakeholders. The dinner discussed 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 were from the private sector, African delegations, the United States Government and non-governmental organizations. Closed Press and Invite Only.

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 focused on Opportunities to Export to Africa. The program was open to any U.S. company, but there was specific outreach to African diaspora communities. The main program was 10:30am-12noon with various federal speakers and a moderated panel discussion with MBEs that were currently pursing business on the continent.

After the program concluded, there was a brief break for a boxed lunch, and then we had 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 took place 1pm-5pm in 15 minute increments. The meeting schedule was managed by the Global MEA Team. Companies were able to register for meetings after they paid for registration. Cost $50.

Capacity was limited. No-on-site registration was 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 hosted a public high-level event focused on Africa’s creative industries on the margins of the 2022 U.S.-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 featured 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 hosted an evening reception to celebrate the Summit’s achievements. Featuring keynote remarks from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, we convened 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 was closed press. Attendance was 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

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

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. engaged with leaders from Africa on several issues, including regional and global health and food security. Having international guests at our event provided opportunities for us to share and exchange new ideas, strategies, and programs. We expected to draw more than 100 professionals, advocates, researchers, and others from major organizations, foundations, educational institutions, government institutions, artists and universities. This event was 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 was 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 allowed 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 looked 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 was open to the public on the first day and by registration on the second day.

More information on Orphan Care Ethiopia