African Diplomatic Missions in the U.S. Coordinate Participation in U.S.-Africa Business Summit

The meeting focused on promoting the Summit among invited African countries, encouraging the participation of the African private sector, and sharing relevant information regarding the event in Luanda. The working meeting was co-chaired by Florizelle Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), and Agostinho Van-Dúnem, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to the United States, accompanied by their respective technical teams. The meeting brought together Heads of Mission from 15 African countries accredited to the United States. During the discussions, participants highlighted the important role the Summit has played over the past three decades in strengthening political and economic relations between the United States and the African continent. They also addressed the current international context, including reforms being implemented by the Administration of President Donald Trump, particularly regarding U.S. engagement with Africa, as well as the role of the private sector in expanding business cooperation and investment between Africa and the United States. Participants also highlighted the significance of selecting Angola, and Luanda in particular, to host the Summit, in recognition of the country’s growing role in African and international affairs. The event comes at a time when Angola is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its National Independence and holding the rotating Chairmanship of the African Union. Regarding preparations for the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, information was shared on the event programme, logistical and protocol arrangements, including the expected level of participation, transportation, accommodation for official delegations and other participants, meeting formats, side events, as well as the cultural and tourism programme planned for Luanda. The working meeting forms part of the Summit promotion strategy developed by the Embassy of the Republic of Angola in the United States and the Corporate Council on Africa. Similar meetings were held in Washington, D.C., in October 2024, on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings, and in Addis Ababa in February 2025, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government.