The Corporate Council on Africa’s 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit

The Africa-America Institute (AAI) left an indelible mark at the Corporate Council on Africa's 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held from May 6-9, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Themed 'U.S.-Africa Business: Partnering for Sustainable Success,' the summit convened more than 1,800 stakeholders, including six Heads of State and Government, 80 U.S. Government officials, 16 African delegations, and over 1,000 CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs from both the U.S. and Africa. 

Representing AAI, President Kofi Appenteng shared remarks during the summit's plenary session on "Business and Philanthropy Nexus: Driving Sustainable US-Africa Partnerships." Appenteng underscored AAI's commitment to bridging Africa and its diaspora to catalyze a more sustainable and equitable world. He shared two examples of AAI’s work building community and economic sovereignty:

• AAI, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, Chevron, and PIND Foundation, launched the Niger Delta Youth Program in Nigeria. This initiative provides youth with vital training and employment opportunities, leveraging catalytic funds and programmatic expertise. 

• AAI partnered with MIT's Legatum Center and the Republic of Botswana to bolster economic sovereignty and promote inclusive prosperity. This initiative supports Botswana's vision to enhance its entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem through increased science, technology, and innovation investments. 

Beyond the sessions, Appenteng held strategic meetings with prominent partners, including John Olajide, Founder and CEO of Axxess; Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Director, Africa Finance Corporation; Naana Frimpong, Partner and Kalidou Gadio, Co-Chair of DLA Piper, US-Africa Practice; and Admassu Tadesse, President and Chief Executive of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB). Additionally, he met with H.E. Joseph Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, and H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, to discuss furthering sustainable partnerships and development initiatives. 

For more information on AAI's initiatives, partnerships, and upcoming events, visit  Africa-America Institute.