Africa–U.S. Global Forum 2026
Two days in Washington, D.C. that put African enterprise in the same room as U.S. buyers, investors and institutions, followed by six months of structured follow-through.
- Dates
- August 11–12, 2026
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- Sectors
- Agribusiness, minerals, energy, digital
- Our role
- Organizer and convener
African manufacturers are export-ready, U.S. buyers need the supply, and the AGOA framework for duty-free access exists. What has been missing is a room where both sides meet, and a plan that turns the meeting into a contract.
In August 2026 the Africa–U.S. Global Forum brought African enterprise leaders, U.S. investors, government officials and ecosystem partners together in Washington, D.C. for keynotes, sector spotlight sessions, a financing panel and two days of deal-focused meetings.
The forum connects four priority sectors, agribusiness, critical minerals, energy and power, and digital infrastructure, with U.S. retail buyers, institutional investors and infrastructure developers. Every 2026 delegate continues into a 180-day follow-through programme run by our team.
Two days of briefings, sessions and meetings.
Briefings and mixers
An invitation-only briefing at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, one-to-one sector spotlight meetings, the GWBCC President's Circle Executive Mixer and an evening reception.
U.S. DFC, 3000 K Street, The ContinentKeynotes, spotlights and financing
Welcome remarks and goodwill messages, a keynote address, sector spotlight sessions, a financing panel on capital access for African ventures and an EXIM Bank session on investment opportunities.
Washington DC Economic PartnershipFollow-through
Supply-chain compliance for USDA, FDA and CBP; technical due diligence and investor-ready project briefs; then legal and commercial support to move MOUs to purchase orders or joint ventures.
Under way for 2026 delegates
Six countries, each with a sector focus.
Nigeria
Energy, minerals, digitalDecentralized power grids, C&I solar, hyperscale data centers and solid minerals.
Ghana
ProcessingValue-added cocoa and gold infrastructure.
Sierra Leone
MiningIron ore joint ventures and sustainable mining.
Kenya
DigitalMobile-money rails, digital trade documentation and developer networks.
Côte d'Ivoire
AgribusinessCashew and cocoa processing for U.S. retail.
Senegal
Gas to powerMSGBC basin gas assets, industrial energy parks and Port of Dakar logistics.
Buyers, builders, investors and officials.
Ifeoma C. Onyia
Entrepreneur and philanthropist; U.S. President's Lifetime Achievement Awardee
Agribusiness, Maryland
Jordan Taylor
Founder and CEO, SynergyGrid LLC
Energy and power, Washington, D.C.
Mariama “MJ” Jalloh
Founder, FinTech with MJ
Digital infrastructure, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Waithera Wambugu
Founder and CEO, Kasi Desert Circuit
Energy and critical minerals, Kenya
Simone Williams, Esq.
Founder and Managing Partner, Williams Global Law
Trade and investment law, Washington, D.C.
Kathrine VanLiew
VP, International Business Attraction, Washington DC Economic Partnership
Investment and trade, Washington, D.C.
Jennifer Steele Wilson
Assistant Dean, College of Business, Jackson State University
Enterprise and workforce, Jackson, MS
Halima Bah
VP of Corporate Relations, Guinea–U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Digital infrastructure, Guinea and USA
Lyzianah Emakoua
Founder and CEO, Center for Community Impact and Sustainability
Agribusiness, Cameroon
Edmund L. Green
Founder and CEO, Parlinum Consulting LLC; former KPMG Managing Director
Trade and investment, Washington, D.C.
Mikiyas Tamerat
Co-Founder, Akababi Marketing; Digital Lead, Africa FinTech Summit
Digital infrastructure, Ethiopia
Mayor Keith R. Sydnor
Mayor, City of Laurel, Maryland
Government and civic leadership
Simone R.W. Ellison
Director of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce
Economic development, Washington, D.C.
Anthony Andrews
Deputy Mayor's Office, Washington, D.C.
Government and civic leadership
LaTaunya Darden
Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
Trade finance, Washington, D.C.With thanks to our 2026 partners.
Washington DC Economic Partnership
DC Chamber of Commerce
Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce
AIIPMPA
APEX Advisory
BGR Consulting
SynergyGrid
AeroFlyt
The Brief AcademyAUGF 2026 in pictures.
The forum returns to Washington on April 16–17, 2027.
Registration and sponsorship packages will be published soon. Register your interest to hear first.