United States Building Entrepreneurial Partnerships With Africa -By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh

Within the heightening of geopolitical tension, United States is actively building diversified entrepreneurial partnerships with African countries, reviewing and restyling working relations with relevant institutions and adopting new policy frameworks largely based on African-led initiatives. The economic policy architecture concentrates more on bilateral partnership, but with some variation of investments in infrastructure and exploiting natural resources, at the same time taking into account the needs of individual African country.

In the context of broadening economic dimensions, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius have agreed to hold in the Republic of Mauritius the 18th U.S.-Africa Business Summit on July 26-29, 2026. According to reports, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius and Ms. Florizelle (Florie) Liser, President and CEO of CCA, signed the agreement on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

According to reports, the U.S.-Africa Business Summit is one of the most important business platforms that annually brings together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers, high-level U.S and African Government Officials, CEOs, and senior executives of U.S. and African companies to explore investment, trade and commercial opportunities.

The selection of Mauritius as the host country for the 18th U.S.-Africa Business Summit bears testimony to the deep commitment of the country to play a key role in strengthening a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship between Africa and the United States. Both envision to facilitate bilateral trade, and to build long-term and high-valued economic partnerships.

Positioned at the crossroads of Africa and Asia in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is recognized for its political stability, reform-driven economy, strong governance and innovation-friendly policies and high-quality local infrastructure. It offers a strong regulatory framework, a sophisticated financial services sector, and a proven track record as a gateway for investment into Africa. As a dynamic financial and trade hub, Mauritius is an ideal setting for the 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit.

With momentum building across both public and private sectors, this Summit provides an excellent opportunity for participants to engage on critical issues impacting the U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationship and strike landmark deals in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agri-business, health, ICT and financial services that will have high impact on the lives of African and American citizens, enterprises, workers and consumers.

In a thoroughly analytical study, the CCA has broadened its operational focus on the entire Africa, strategically dealing with institutions that matter for implementing its economic policy initiatives. In order to ensure significant degree of success, CCA is seriously addressing the complex diversities in the continent, explaining to leaders within the political structures, the essence for large-scale mutual cooperation.

Florie Liser, President & CEO of CCA, said: “We are delighted to bring the 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit to Mauritius, a country known for its strategic location, strong governance, and dynamic business environment. This Summit will provide a critical platform to strengthen U.S.-Africa economic relations, explore investment opportunities, and foster partnerships that will increase two-way trade.”

Liser underlined the fact that high possibility exists for stronger engagement through initiatives that support trade and investment (including renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and continued policy and financing support by key U.S. government agencies including the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Eximbank), Development Finance Corporation (DFC), U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Departments of State and Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative and others.

The Honorable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, stated: “Mauritius is honored to host the 2026 U.S. -Africa Business Summit and play a key role in strengthening a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship between Africa and the United States. Our nation has long been a bridge between Africa and the world and we are committed to creating an enabling environment that encourages trade, innovation, and inclusive growth. Hosting this prestigious gathering further underscores Mauritius’ role as a hub for investment and partnership in Africa.”

The United States brings a distinct and compelling value proposition to partnerships in Africa, grounded in transparency, high standards, and a long-term commitment to mutually beneficial U.S.-Africa economic and commercial partnerships. In addition, U.S. companies are known for delivering quality products and services, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that prioritize local value creation, skills transfer, and economic impact. These are not short-term engagements—they are investments designed to support businesses and growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

That means continuing to mobilize capital, support competitive U.S. participation in African markets, and ensure that partnerships are responsive to the priorities of African countries. The role of the Corporate Council on Africa is to help bridge that gap—connecting businesses to opportunities, advocating for policies that enable investment, and ensuring that the U.S.–Africa commercial relationship remains strong, competitive, and mutually beneficial.

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is the leading U.S. business association focused solely on connecting business interests in Africa. It encourages U.S.-Africa private sector partnerships, and advocates for a business climate conducive to long-term investment. Founded in 1993, CCA has been at the forefront of fostering strategic partnerships, promoting investments, and facilitating trade between the United States and the diverse nations of Africa.