For us at Heirs Holdings, Pan-Africanism is not just a dream, it is our vision of an inclusive and transformative agenda, that will fundamentally change Africa.
Last week was a testament to that vision: the awards and recognition we received for empowering our young and disadvantaged women and our milestone partnership with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to host the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme Selection Announcement in DRC.
We are truly making a difference across our continent and beyond.
Beyond Africa, our philosophy and execution track record also create significant impact. Our Group and Foundation are catalysing the relationship between Africa and the rest of the world. Through engagements, business opportunities, and our dedication to empowering our young Africans. Our voice, speaking for our continent, is being heard. Now we sit at the decision-making table and contribute to decisions. This is the reputation our Group has built.
This week, we continue our advocacy in the United States, at the invitation of the President of the United States, Joe Biden, to attend the U.S-African Leaders Summit 2022, in Washington DC.
This important Summit kicks off with a reception hosted by the US Secretary of State and the Prosper Africa Initiative, in partnership with the US Agency for International Development and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Our position as a host is a fitting acknowledgment of the respect and credibility we have achieved.
At the Summit, I will meet with global leaders, serving as the voice for the transformation of Africa, through the private sector and championing the role of our young entrepreneurs.
My itinerary:
Monday, December 12: The US Trade Development Agency (USTDA) will host a Breakfast Event themed ‘Celebrating Our African Partners in Infrastructure Finance’, at the USTDA Headquarters in Virginia. I will participate in discussions centered around the gaps and opportunities in infrastructure financing, accelerating the expansion of regional investments, and the implementation of clean energy.
Later in the day, The Tony Elumelu Foundation in partnership with the U.S State Department and USAID (United States Agency for International Development) will host the official kick-off event of the 3-day U.S.-African Leaders Summit. The event will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, members of the diaspora, influencers, and media leaders to celebrate and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and African nations as well as highlight the opportunities and dynamism across their investment ecosystems.
Tuesday December 13: I will be a special guest at the Africa and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum, themed “Amplifying Voices: Building Partnerships that Last,” at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum will elevate our diaspora engagement to strengthen the dialogue between U.S. officials and the diaspora in the United States and provide a platform for young Africans and diaspora leaders to fashion innovative solutions to pressing challenges. The forum will feature three breakout sessions – the creative industries, and environmental equity.
Later in the afternoon, I will be at the Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and Just Energy Transition Session at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre. In this session I will join other leaders, to explore the ways that the governments, the people of the United States and African nations can partner to address conservation, climate adaptation, and the just energy transition based on shared priorities.
Wednesday December 14: At the U.S.-Africa Business Forum (USABF), I will join the President of Kenya, the Prime Minister of Morocco, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, the CEO of Visa and the U.S. Trade Representative, on a panel conversation on ‘Charting the Course: The Future of U.S.-Africa Trade & Investment Relations’.
I will participate in other USABF plenary sessions, including the signing of an MoU between the Government of the United States and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, signing of MCC Regional Transport Compact with Benin Republic and Niger Republic, and other sessions.
Following that, I will be present at the Presidential Closing Session, where the keynote will be given by the U.S. President Joe Biden, after which I will attend the Business and Government Networking Session facilitated by the Commerce Department and State Department, the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit Dinner, and the U.S.-Africa Energy Investment Reception to wrap up the day.
Our advocacy is demonstrably yielding results across the continent and beyond.
Africa has immense potential and with these engagements, we play our part in ensuring our positive African story is heard by a global audience and contributing our voice to decisions that affect all of us globally.
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