What: Advancing Africa’s Economic Transformation through Stronger Africa–U.S.

Private Sector Partnerships (High-Level Side Event at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings)

Who: African Union Permanent Mission to the United States and AfriCatalyst

When: 14 April 2026

Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (ET)

Where: African Union Representational Mission to the United States, 1640 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC.

Why: The African Union Permanent Mission to the United States, in collaboration with AfriCatalyst, will convene a high-level dialogue on the margins of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Economic Transformation through Stronger Africa–U.S. Private Sector Partnerships. Held at a critical moment in the global economic calendar, the roundtable will bring together senior African Union leadership, U.S. government representatives, development finance institutions, private sector leaders, and policy experts to explore innovative pathways for strengthening trade and investment partnerships between Africa and the United States. The dialogue will focus on how Africa’s growing economic integration, driven by the flagship initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), can translate into concrete investment opportunities, stronger regional value chains, and sustainable economic transformation. Discussions will also examine how to mobilize and de-risk U.S. private sector investment in priority sectors, including infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, and strategic mineral value chains, while reinforcing the African Union’s role as a strategic economic partner and convener.

Confirmed speakers include:

• H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• H.E. Dr. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development,
• Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM), African Union
• H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
• Sarah Troutman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, AUDA-NEPAD
• H.E. Ambassador Constância Adelina Gaspar, Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States
• Ms. Florizelle Liser, President and CEO, Corporate Council on Africa
• H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Former Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission
• Dr. Corneille Karekezi, Chairperson, AAMFI & Group Managing Director/CEO, African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re)
• Ms. Kendra Gaither, President, U.S.-Africa Business Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda
• Ms. Hannah Ryder, Chief Executive Officer, Development Reimagined
• Mary Porter Peschka, Regional Director for Eastern Africa, International Finance Corporation

The session will provide a platform for focused discussions on how to unlock investment, strengthen public-private collaboration, and build a more strategic, investment-led U.S.-Africa economic partnership.

Note to Editors:

There are no scheduled one-on-one media interviews on the ground. Should interview opportunities arise, participating media will be informed promptly.

For Media Interviews and further information, contact:

Fifi Esther, AfriCatalyst, contact@africatalyst.com

Mr. Noel John Kenyi, Communications Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, Kenyin@africanunion.org, African Union