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Tag: U.S.-Africa Summit

  • World leaders, business executives for 17th U.S.-Africa summit in Angola

    World leaders, business executives for 17th U.S.-Africa summit in Angola

    The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) will host the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola from June 22 to 25, bringing together global leaders, African presidents, U.S. government officials, and top business executives to advance trade and investment ties between the U.S. and Africa.

    Themed “Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for U.S.-Africa Partnership,” the summit will explore strategies to boost economic growth, improve the investment climate, and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between American and African enterprises.

    Over 1,500 participants are expected, including policymakers, investors, and corporate executives. 

    The agenda includes high-level dialogues, policy discussions, and potential investment agreements focused on key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare, digital technology, agribusiness, creative industries, and sustainable finance.

    In a statement, CCA Chairman John Olajide encouraged African business leaders, especially Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities the summit presents. 

    “This summit underscores a shared commitment to building partnerships that generate real benefits for businesses and workers on both sides,” said Olajide, a Dallas-based Nigerian entrepreneur and CEO of Axxess.

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    The summit, hosted in partnership with the Government of Angola, comes at a critical moment for redefined U.S.-Africa engagement and aims to deepen bilateral cooperation amid shifting global economic dynamics.

    “I’m fully invested in this summit because of its proven impact and its potential to drive development across Africa. The participation of leading African officials underscores the continent’s focus on investment and innovation,” he said.

    He added that these leaders will present national strategies, outline policy goals, and share their vision for closer economic cooperation with the U.S. 

    They will also hold targeted meetings with investors and global executives to explore specific investment opportunities.

    Ministerial participation will allow for technical-level discussions to clarify regulatory frameworks, investment policies, and models for effective public-private collaboration across Africa.

    Established in 1993, the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has played a central role in promoting U.S.-Africa trade and investment. For over three decades, the organization has served as a bridge between governments and businesses, encouraging commercial engagement and supporting long-term partnerships.

  • U.S.-Africa Summit: Why Africa needs sustainable agric growth

    U.S.-Africa Summit: Why Africa needs sustainable agric growth

     TGI Group, leading conglomerate in Africa’s agricultural sector, has reiterated its commitment to sustainable agricultural development at the 16th U.S.-Africa Business Summit.

    The event, attended by over 1,500 public and private sector executives from the continents, emphasised strategic collaborations for sustainable success in sectors, including agriculture.

    Farouk Gumel, executive director and executive vice chair (Africa) of TGI Group, participated as a panellist during a session: ‘From Food Insecurity to Thriving Agribusinesses: The Case for U.S. Africa Strategic Agribusiness Partnership.

    Emphasising TGI’s approach, Gunel highlighted the company’s involvement in the value chain, from seed to the final consumer.

    “At TGI, we engage in every aspect of the value chain, from seed multiplication to the dining table. This is because we adopt a problem-solving approach to our business model,” Gumel said.

    He stressed TGI’s dedication to understanding local communities and cultural nuances, ensuring shared prosperity and sustainability.

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    “While we are involved in seeds, fertilisers and crop protection input, we do not engage in land ownership. We adopt a community-centric approach, recognising cultural sensitivities in rural areas.

    “When partnering with communities, we provide input while they undertake cultivation. Upon harvest, they sell to us or others, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship. Even if they choose to sell to the open market, we will still get it from the local aggregator,” Gumel explained.

    Discussing Nigeria’s agricultural policies, Gumel praised the country’s commitment to employment and community empowerment.

    “Nigeria, often misunderstood globally, boasts the continent’s most robust agricultural policy,” he noted.

    In another panel session: ‘Future of U.S.-Africa and Trade Investment: AGOA and beyond,’ Gumel called for an upgrade of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and fairness in free trade in Africa.

    He said: “Since AGOA legislation was renewed almost a decade ago, the dynamics of global trade has changed. The uniqueness of no duty in exporting to U.S. no longer exist because other big players; China, India and U.A.E. have come into Africa offering same benefits if not better than what we get from AGOA. To upgrade AGOA, there is a need to see what the other players are doing to make export seamless.”

    On free trade, Gumel said: ‘‘Free trade is not new in Africa. It has always existed, but what does not exist is fairness in cross-border trading. Just as E.U., we need to have an African Ideology where we look inward to produce and export with Africa.’

    In addition to its advocacy, TGI Group has implemented initiatives to drive sustainable development in Africa. Notable among these is Argungu Outgrower Expansion Programme, a collaboration with USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, to boost rice production.

    With operations spanning 15 countries and a diverse products, TGI Group is committed to creating a positive economic, environmental, and social impact. Leveraging locally sourced raw materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, the company continues to forge sustainable business partnerships aligned with the goals of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit.