THE AFRICA SEP/OCT 2019 EDITION

eJOURNAL A NEWSLETTER BY THE CORPORATE COUNCIL ON AFRICA

IN THIS ISSUE

Preparing for AFCFTA: The African Union is 2020 U.S.-AFRICA moving ahead in planning for the African BUSINESS SUMMIT TO BE Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) HOSTED IN MOROCCO - P.2 which promises to be a game-changer for Africa. BUSINESS LUNCH AND Implementation is scheduled to start as of July ROUNDTABLE ON LINKING PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 1, 2020, with potentially critical implications for HEALTH AND ECONOMIC BY FLORIZELLE LISER American companies engaged on the continent. GROWTH IN AFRICA - P.3 CCA organized three events to help the African NIGERIAN GOVERNORS Happy Fall! September kept us Union (AU) and U.S. companies prepare. ROUNDTABLE AND LUNCH hopping as CCA organized three WITH NIGERIAN TRADE AND events in New York on the sidelines of On September 11, we co-hosted with the U.S. INVESTMENT MINISTER the United Nations General Assembly Chamber of Commerce’s Africa Business Center RICHARD ADEBAYO - P.4 (UNGA). We have continued to shine a a workshop for a group of AU trade experts in light on U.S.-Africa trade the United States on an International Visitor Chamber) a panel on “The U.S.-Africa opportunities and challenges, Leadership Program (IVLP). The workshop Leadership Forum: Strengthening the particularly through the African included presentations on U.S. views of “Phase Future of U.S.-Africa Trade and Continental Free Trade Agreement Two” issues for AfCFTA: intellectual property Investment.” This dialogue featured (AfCFTA). We’ve also continued to rights, and competition and investment policy, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, highlight and contribute to U.S. as well as how this will be impacted by the Niger’s President Mahamadou government engagement with digital economy. Issoufou, Cote d’Ivoire Vice President business on the continent, while Daniel Duncan, and representatives advocating for African countries to In a September 23 event on the margins of from MTN, Abbott, and GE, speaking improve their business climates. UNGA in New York, we co-hosted (with the U.S. to an audience of over 200 people. ...continued on page 11 2

2020 U.S.-AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT TO BE HOSTED IN MOROCCO

From L to R: Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala, Ambassador of the A cross section of high level officials at the 2019 U.S.-Africa Kingdom of Morocco and Florizelle Liser, President and CEO, Business Summit in Maputo, Mozambique Corporate Council on Africa

Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) will host Following a strategic selection process, Starting this year, CCA will hold the the next edition of the U.S -Africa Business CCA’s Board of Directors selected the U.S.-Africa Business Summit annually, Summit in June 2020 in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco as the host for the with the aim of providing CCA Morocco. Building on the momentum of 2020 Summit. Having rejoined the African members, investors, and key U.S.- this year’s Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, Union and signed the African Continental Africa business stakeholders with the which focused on advancing a resilient and Free Trade Agreement, Morocco has opportunity to stay abreast on the sustainable U.S.-Africa partnership, CCA will demonstrated its commitment to latest developments in business and return to the continent next June for the promoting economic development in investment across Africa. 13th iteration of its flagship conference. Africa, making it an ideal destination for the 2020 Summit and the first time CCA Since its inception in 1997, CCA’s “We are delighted to return to the will organize the Summit in North Africa. Summit has been considered as the continent for the 2020 Summit and look essential conference on U.S.-Africa forward to partnering with the Government Her Highness Princess Lalla Joumala, business and investment. With over of the Kingdom of Morocco. The 2019 Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco 1300 attendees, the 2019 Summit Summit in Maputo, Mozambique was a to the United States, urged businesses to witnessed a remarkable level of tremendous success and the caliber of take advantage of the unique engagement, including participation engagement by U.S. and African business opportunities that will be presented at by heads of state, vice presidents, and and government leaders was outstanding. the Summit in 2020. “As the gateway to prime ministers from 9 African The partnerships forged, investment Africa, Morocco is committed to countries, ministers from more than opportunities identified, and deals closed increasing business and investment on 25 countries, more than 100 senior are still being cited by attendees, and we the continent and is pleased to partner U.S. government officials and an intend to expand on these outcomes at the with the Corporate Council on Africa to exceptional line-up of global business 2020 Summit in Morocco.” said Florizelle host the 2020 U.S.-Africa Business leaders from a variety of sectors. Liser, President and CEO, Corporate Council Summit in Marrakech.” on Africa. 3

UNGA 2019 - BUSINESS LUNCH AND ROUNDTABLE ON LINKING HEALTH AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN AFRICA

A cross section of ministers and delegates at the Business Lunch and Roundtable on Linking Health and Economic Growth in Africa on the sidelines of UNGA 2019

On the margins of the 74th U.N. General Ms. Bonnie Glick, Deputy Administrator, Hon. Sicily Kariuki noted the struggle Assembly and the U.N. High-Level Meeting on USAID; Hon. Sicily Kariuki, Minister of around aligning political focus with Universal Health Coverage in New York, Health, Republic of Kenya; Hon. Dr. Alfred healthcare needs in Kenya, while Hon. Corporate Council on Africa hosted a Business Madigele, Minister of Health, Republic of Dr. Sidibé also noted challenges of Luncheon and Roundtable on Linking Health Botswana; Dr. Paolo Rotelli, President, San prioritizing healthcare against pressing and Economic Growth in Africa. The Raffaele Hospital(IRCCS) and San Raffaele issues such as security in Mali. Roundtable featured 9 African Ministers as University; Vice President, San Donato well as leadership from USAID and over 100 Hospital(IRCCS) Italy; Hon. Michel Sidibé, Hon. Dr. Madigele said given that U.S. and African public and private sector Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Botswana is vast and sparsely leaders focused on improving health Republic of Mali; H.E. Dr. Hala Zaid, populated, ensuring access and quality outcomes to drive economic growth on the Minister of Health and Population, care to citizens across the country is a continent. The Roundtable served as a Republic of Egypt; Hon. Jacqueline Lydia top priority of the Health Ministry. Hon. platform for participants to identify challenges Mikolo, Minister of Health and Population, Zaid also discussed how ensuring access to increased investment in Africa’s health Republic of Congo; and H.E. Dr. Aouélé to quality care is a priority in Egypt, sector and explore partnership opportunities Eugène Aka Minister of Health and Public especially considering its high aimed at strengthening health systems. Hygiene, Côte d'Ivoire were also in population. attendance. The event began with opening remarks from The panelists also discussed the President and CEO, Ms. Florie Liser as well as importance of leveraging public-private CCA Chairman of the Board, Dr. Jeffrey partnerships to achieve stronger health Sturchio, followed by special remarks from systems and healthier populations. Ms. Susan Silbermann, Global President, Panelists encouraged the businesses in Emerging Markets, Pfizer Inc. and Dr. Kamel the room to engage in increased Ghribi, GK Investment Holding Group investment in their countries’ health Switzerland & GSD Healthcare, Middle East. industry. The Roundtable ended with closing remarks from President and CEO The roundtable also featured a Ministerial of CCA, Ms. Florie Liser who thanked all Panel which was moderated by Dr. Jeffrey who participated and extended a special Sturchio and included Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth thank you to the event sponsors, Pfizer Aceng, Minister of Health, Republic of Inc. and Gruppo San Donato. Uganda; Hon. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Minister CCA President and CEO welcomes of Health, Republic of Ghana; delegates to the business roundtable

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UNGA 2019 - U.S.-AFRICA LEADERSHIP FORUM ON STRENGTHENING THE FUTURE OF U.S. - AFRICA TRADE AND INVESTMENT

From L to R: Damian Halloran, Abbott Laboratories, Florizelle Liser, From L to R: Rob Shuter, MTN, H.E. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice President of Corporate Council on Africa, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Niger, Côte d’Ivoire Farid Fezoua, GE, Scott Eisner, U.S.-Africa Business Center On Monday, September 23, 2019, Corporate He affirmed that the Department of President, Infectious Disease, Emerging Council on Africa (CCA), in partnership with Commerce is working to ensure that Markets, Rapid Diagnostics, Abbott the U.S. Africa Business Center, hosted the American SMEs are aware of the export, Laboratroies and Rob Shuter, President and U.S.-Africa Leadership Forum on investment and risk mitigation tools to CEO, MTN Group. H.E. Duncan outlined the Strengthening the Future of U.S. - Africa support businesses and promote trade with investment opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire Trade and Investment on the margins of the Africa. David Bohigian, Acting President and urged businesses to invest. Mr. Halloran 2019 U.N. General Assembly Meetings in and CEO, Overseas Private Investment and Mr. Shuter discussed the importance of New York, NY. Corporation (OPIC) similarly highlighted having a presence on the ground, citing OPIC’s vision to mobilize private Abott’s headquarters in Nairobi and MTN’s

investment in order to expand U.S.-Africa presence in 17 countries across the The Forum kicked off with opening remarks trade. Through Connect Africa, OPIC will continent. The panelists also emphasized by CCA President and CEO, Florizelle Liser invest $1 billion over three years to the importance of investing in capacity and Myron Brilliant, Executive Vice projects supporting telecommunications building and collaborating across industries. President and Head of International Affairs, and internet access, value chains that U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Farid Fezoua, connect producers of raw materials to end The Forum was concluded with special CEO, GE Africa delivered the corporate users, and essential infrastructure, such as remarks by H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, testimonial, highlighting GE’s commitment roads, railways, ports, and airports. President of Niger and Chairman, ECOWAS. to the continent and celebrating 120 years President Issoufou lauded the progress of GE doing business in Africa. Mr. Fezoua Florizelle Liser and Scott Eisner, President, made by African Governments towards discussed the importance of innovative U.S.-Africa Business Center, moderated a AfCFTA and a unified African economic PPPs, citing GE’s partnership with the high-level panel discussion featuring H.E. community, and affirmed that Niger is eager Kenyan Ministry of Health, which aimed to Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice President of to work with the American private sector. provide radiology equipment to 98 hospitals Côte d’Ivoire, Damian Halloran, Vice in 47 counties, as a prime example of successful partnership. Mr. Fezoua then introduced Hon. Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce to deliver the keynote address.

Hon. Wilbur Ross encouraged the private sector to continue to invest in Africa and highlighted the efforts by different USG agencies to grow U.S.-Africa trade and Hon. Wilbur Ross, U.S. Secretary of Commerce David Bohigian, Acting President and CEO, reverse the current decline. delivers the keynote address Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

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UNGA 2019 - NIGERIAN GOVERNORS ROUNDTABLE AND LUNCH WITH NIGERIAN TRADE AND INVESTMENT MINISTER RICHARD ADEBAYO

Hon. Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank, CCA Hon. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of State Board Member Lagos State

On September 24, 2019, CCA hosted two opportunities and challenges in his large The Minister hoped to revise business- events on the margins of the UN General state, which he said by itself would be friendly legislation, update Nigeria’s Assembly to highlight business Africa’s fifth largest economy. His policy industrial policy, expand incentives for opportunities in Nigeria: a Nigerian and investment priorities: finding solutions job-creation and strengthen Special Governors roundtable and a lunch with to address the major challenges of traffic, Economic Zones. He highlighted efforts to Nigerian Trade and Investment Minister waste management, energy deficiencies, increase processing of agricultural raw Richard Adebayo. and large inflows of people. Lagos state materials and to adopt an auto policy that already has major rail projects underway, will incentivize the manufacturing of an The Nigerian Governors roundtable is improving payment systems for water affordable car. The government has also featured remarks by Godwin Obaseki, supply, is tackling plastic waste and the set up a national action committee, with Governor of Edo State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, need for more health insurance options. the private sector, focused on the African Governor of Lagos State, John G. He hoped for more investment in primary Continental Free Trade Agreement Coumantaros, Chairman Flour Mills of schools and saw great potential for more (AfCFTA). As Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria, and Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of tech start-ups. Improving the ease of Nigeria needs to ensure that the AfCFTA Flutterwave. Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith doing business was critical, especially progresses in a way that safeguards the Bank gave welcome remarks and the event making the judicial system more health of local industry, he said. was moderated by Gbenga Oyebode, responsive. Good governance and security Chairman of Aluko & Oyebode. were also key. In a lively Q&A session, the governors addressed a range of questions Edo State Governor Obaseki portrayed Edo on the tech sector, agriculture, state as a “quality hub” for ICT, energy and outsourcing, the role of the diaspora, rule other investments. With a focus on health of law, and suggestions for improvements and education, he hoped to strengthen the in specific sectors like health, education state’s human capital; with a focus on and agriculture. After the roundtable, bolstering institutions through increased Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and digitization, he aimed to ensure an Investment Richard Adeniyi Adebayo effective public service. The Governor spoke at a small luncheon for U.S. pointed to the need to grow the forest and businesses. His main message: Nigeria Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and agriculture sectors and highlighted the wants to improve the ease of doing Investment Richard Adebayo addresses potential for more tourism. Lagos Governor business and Nigerian President Buhari is delegates Sanwo-Olu stressed the scale of very focused on job creation. ...photos continued on page 10 6

ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING AND HIGH-LEVEL DIALOGUE WITH THE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN, EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE U.S.

From L to R: Dr. Jeffrey Sturchio, Rabin Martin, Chairman Kimberly A cross section of delegates at the Annual Members Meeting and Reed, EXIM Bank, Florizelle Liser, CCA High-Level Dialogue

On Tuesday, September 18, 2019, Africa. I am pleased to say we have kept this Chairman Reed delivered the keynote Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) hosted commitment and continue to engage remarks and discussed EXIM’s the Annual Members Meeting and High- actively and provide opportunities for our priorities for Africa following the Level Dialogue with the President and members both here in the U.S. and in African agency’s recent resumption of full Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the countries.” financing and loan guarantees for U.S. United States. The event was sponsored exports. As of July 31st, EXIM had $51 by Dentons LLP and Presley R. Reed Jr. Esq, Kimberly Reed, President and Chairman of million in authorizations in Sub- Partner, Dentons LLP delivered the EXIM was introduced by Florizelle Liser, Saharan Africa in the form of export welcome remarks. Dr. Jeffrey Sturchio, CCA’s President and CEO, who serves on credit insurance and working capital CEO of Rabin Martin and CCA Board EXIM’s Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory loan guarantees. Chairman welcomed delegates to the Committee. Ms. Reed discussed the meeting and commended CCA for appointment of the 11 members of its 2019 Chairman Reed underscored EXIM’s successfully hosting the U.S.-Africa Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee. commitment to Sub-Saharan Africa Business Summit in Maputo earlier in the Members of the Sub-Saharan Advisory and noted that shortly after she was year. Committee, as required by Congress, advise sworn in earlier this year, she led the the EXIM Board of Directors “on the U.S. Presidential Delegation CCA President and CEO, Florizelle Liser development and implementation of policies representing President Donald J. underlined the organization’s continued and programs” designed to promote EXIM’s Trump and his administration at the commitment to advancing U.S.-Africa engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa. The inauguration of His Excellency Cyril business and investment and highlighted committee met in September for the first Ramaphosa, President of the Republic key outcomes from programs and services time since 2015 to discuss priority topics, of South Africa and met with offered by CCA over the course of the year. including the congressional mandate for businesses to discuss EXIM’s vision “When I joined CCA in 2017, I made a EXIM to serve Sub-Saharan Africa, a priority and work in Sub-Saharan Africa. commitment to do more on the ground in region for the agency.

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A ROUNDTABLE WITH AFRICAN UNION COMMISSIONER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HON. ALBERT MUCHANGA

A cross section of delegates at the roundtable with African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Hon. Albert Muchanga

On October 4, 2019, CCA and the U.S. The AU is working on initiatives to: The Commissioner saw good Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business clarify rules of origin, offer a schedule investment prospects for U.S. Center co-hosted a small roundtable with of tariff concessions (covering 90 companies in Africa, in: visiting African Union Commissioner for percent of all goods by 2025), make infrastructure, manufacturing, Trade and Industry Albert Muchanga. specific commitments in trade in agriculture, education, tourism, services, provide online monitoring of creative industries, trade services. Commissioner Muchanga leads African Union non-tariff barriers, establish an African He hoped to generate business (AU) preparations for the African Continental Trade Observatory, and develop a interest through an AfCFTA Free Trade Arrangement (AfCFTA) and he payment settlement system for intra- Business Forum in July, 2020 as briefed the group on its status. CCA African trade. well as through the work of a President Florie Liser, Chamber Senior Vice Business Council expected to be in President, John Murphy and Assistant In addition, the AU hopes to finalize an place in 2020 as an umbrella USTR for Africa Constance Hamilton also gave aviation agreement that creates a organization for the African remarks. single African aviation market private sector. and to agree to a protocol on the free Commissioner Muchanga painted an movement of people, Hon. He also hoped to organize a optimistic and ambitious vision for Muchanga said. A protocol on number of AU-led trade missions the AfCFTA. He hoped Eritrea would investment is under negotiation, as are to the United States and to expand soon sign on, bringing all 55 African arrangements on competition policy outreach to American diaspora states into the agreement. While and intellectual property rights groups. He believed strongly that the AfCFTA was officially launched on July 7, protection. Hon. Muchanga noted the any third-party free trade 2019, trade under this new arrangement is need to align trade regimes at the agreements in Africa need to align scheduled to start on July 1, 2020. continental, regional and national with the AfCFTA. levels.

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WASHINGTON DC OUTREACH EVENT FOR THE GREAT LAKES INVESTMENT AND TRADE CONFERENCE (GLITC)

H.E. Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the H.E. Mr. Zachary Muburi-Muita, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Region International Conference of the Great Lakes Region

On Monday, September 30th, 2019, Remarks also recognized the various Ambassador Zachary Muburi-Muita, The Office of the Special Envoy of the resources in the Great Lake Region and Executive Secretary of the Secretary-General of the United the need to ensure they are used International Conference of the Great Nations for the Great Lakes Region in sustainably. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of Lakes Region, spoke on the negative partnership with the International the UN Secretary-General for the Great effects of underdevelopment and the Conference on the Great Lakes Region, Lakes Region (GLR) spoke on the Great importance of foreign direct hosted the Washington DC Outreach Lakes Region’s promising future for investment. In his remarks, he Event for the Great Lakes Investment investment, emphasizing the need for a expressed how underdevelopment and Trade Conference (GLITC) at change in the perception of the economic disrupts peace and security while Winston and Strawn LLP. This event potential of the GLR. He reiterated the adding stress on the youth of African was sponsored by the Corporate United Nation’s work in the region with countries. Council on Africa (CCA), the U.S. the signing of the Peace, Security and Chamber of Commerce, and the Cooperation Framework in 2013 and he He further acknowledged the Initiative for Global Development further outlined the importance of the importance of the role that the U.S. (IGD). GLITC as being the platform to showcase private sector plays in sparking the favorable investment climate in the economic growth. African governments In preparation for the second Great region. He referred to the GLR as the last must be engaged to promote friendly Lakes Investment and Trade frontier for investment and stated the business environments and must Conference in March 2020 in Rwanda, region’s numerous solid assets including sustainably engage with the resources this event outlined investment but not limited to the region’s: rapid in the GLR. He ended his remarks by opportunities in the region and growth economy, abundant labor, rapid expressing the need for more discussed the importance of trans- urbanization, growing purchasing power, American representation in discussions border investment and trade to large construction sector market, and of investment in the region. promote regional integration. belonging to the AfCFTA. 9

Hon. Muchanga and Hon. Arikana Chihombori-Quao at the Africa Scott Ticknor, Special Adviser to the President, CCA, delivers remarks at Investment Meeting in Washington DC the Africa Investment Meeting 2019

A cross section of delegates at the High Level Roundtable with Honorable Abbas Mahamat Tolli, Governor, Central Bank of Central African States (BEAC) on the margins of the 2019 Fall World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings.

Afreximbank Discusses Collaboration with Corporate Council on Africa. Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Oramah (2nd right) and Florizelle Liser, President, Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) (3rd Right), with (L-R) Melanie Lawrence, Guarantees and Specialised Finance Unit, Afreximbank; Rene Awambeng, Director, Client Relations, Afreximbank; Akaego Okoye, Director, Member Relations, CCA; and Adaeze Anyaoku, Communications and Events Department, Afreximbank

A cross section of panelists at the 2019 AGOA Private Sector Forum 10

Florie Liser, CCA President and CEO, delivered remarks at the Empower Florie Liser, CCA President and CEO, delivered remarks at the Liberia Africa 'Driving Business in Africa Breakfast' on the sidelines of UNGA 2019 Business and Investment Forum on the sidelines of UNGA 2019

In Houston, Texas, Florie Liser, CCA President and CEO, delivered remarks at Florie Liser, CCA President and CEO at the Future Africa Forum hosted at the 'Discover Global Markets: Powering and Building the Middle East & Africa' the Africa Center in New York, NY on the sidelines of UNGA

...Photos continued from front page 5

From L to R: John G. Coumantaros, Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of Aluko & Oyebode, moderates the and Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave at the Nigerian panel at the Nigerian Governors Roundtable Governors Roundtable

A cross section of panelists at the 2019 AGOA Private Sector Forum PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE...continued from front page 11 On October 4, CCA co-hosted a roundtable in Pretoria, highlighting in all of my with more than 100 people the importance with visiting African Union Trade and remarks the opportunities in Prosper of health promotion to economic growth in Industry Commissioner Albert Muchanga. Africa. I also had a good opportunity to Africa. They stressed the role of the Commissioner Muchanga painted an discuss Prosper while participating in private sector in tackling Africa’s health optimistic and ambitious vision of the Advisory Council meetings for the MCC challenges. We used the event to highlight AfCFTA and A/USTR Constance Hamilton and EXIM Bank, and in meetings with CCA’s active health agenda and working provided insights into the U.S. senior officials in Washington. group, aimed at improving the business government’s approach on U.S.-Africa climate for investment and trade in this trade. The Commissioner saw good Improving Business Climates in Africa: critical sector. investment prospects for U.S. companies in CCA continued to advocate for Africa in infrastructure, manufacturing, improving business climates throughout Central African Bank: CCA co-hosted an agriculture, education, tourism, creative Africa. I underscored the opportunities event for the visiting Governor of the industries, and trade in services. but also the need to overcome Central African Bank (BEAC). The Governor challenges in the business climate in had a frank exchange with U.S. companies USG Support for U.S.-Africa Business: The remarks about Africa’s textile sector about the implementation of proposed U.S. government continues to roll out new during Africa Braintrust. I delivered a BEAC foreign exchange regulations that tools to strengthen U.S.-Africa private similar message in a meeting for CCA could negatively impact U.S. companies sector engagement, with CCA as a key members with Guinean President Conde and the region’s business environment. partner. in Washington and during an event

focused on Liberia during UNGA. Three Closing Reflections: I have been thinking EXIM: On September 18, CCA hosted a other events hit on this theme: and talking a lot about managing High-Level Dialogue with U.S. Export- uncertainty. The U.S.-China trade war, Import Bank Chairman and President Great Lakes: On September 30, CCA co- Kimberley Reed, as part of our annual hosted an event in Washington Brexit, slower growth in China and India, members meeting. Chairman Reed, only featuring Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the impact of social media and digital four months into her job, highlighted the Secretary General of the United technologies – these are among the factors EXIM’s activities in Africa and introduced Nations for the Great Lakes Region. He that are influencing business perceptions her Africa team. encouraged U.S. companies to attend and decisions about managing risk globally. the second Great Lakes Investment and These are being felt in Africa as well, DFC: The expected October 1 creation of Trade Conference in March 2020 in where the AfCFTA adds a new element of the Development Finance Corporation Rwanda. Xia spoke about the great uncertainty as well as opportunity. (DFC) has been postponed. Once created, potential for investment in the Great the DFC will combine the capabilities of Lakes region of Africa, while Thriving in a period of greater uncertainty the Overseas Private Investment acknowledging that African shines a light on the importance of good Corporation (OPIC) and USAID’s governments need to promote friendly partnerships. It makes all the more Development Credit Authority to provide business environments and manage important the kind of work CCA does so foreign aid through the financing of their resources sustainably. well – building networks, insights, and development projects. CCA has been mutual understanding to advance business working with OPIC to support the DFC’s Nigeria: During UNGA, CCA hosted a opportunities in the United States and early engagement related to Africa. roundtable on business opportunities Africa. and challenges with the Governors of USTDA: CCA continues to collaborate with Nigeria’s Edo and Lagos states. During a We are excited about what lies ahead. Just the U.S. Trade and Development Agency luncheon with Nigerian Trade and this week we announced that the U.S.- (USTDA) on “Access Africa”. We plan to Investment Minister Richard Adebayo, Africa Business Summit will be in Morocco hold our inaugural ICT working group he stressed that Nigeria wants to attract in June. We are hosting a High-Level meeting with USTDA and others in mid- more foreign investment and is focused Dialogue with former South African November. on improving its business climate. Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas in November and I will travel to Prosper Africa: CCA continues to highlight Health: During UNGA, CCA hosted a Johannesburg to attend the Africa the Prosper Africa initiative. I participated Business Luncheon and Roundtable on Investment Forum. I hope to see you in in the Department of Commerce’s “Linking Health and Economic Growth in Washington or South Africa – as we close “Discover Global Markets” conference in Africa.” The event featured nine African out a very successful year. Houston, the Make Africa Trade health ministers and the Deputy Easy(MATE) fair, and the CEO Kikao Forum Administrator of USAID, who shared

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER 2019 High Level Roundtable with Mcebisi Jonas, South African President’s Investment Ambassador 13 | Washington, DC

State Department Reception related to U.S.-AU High-Level Dialogue 14 | Washington, DC

Nigerian Governors’ Roundtable 17 | Washington, DC

ICT Working Group Meeting TBD | Washington, DC

FEBRUARY 2020 U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment Forum, Addis 11-12 | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

JUNE 2020 U.S.-Africa Business Summit TBD | Marrakech, Morocco

WORKING GROUPS CCA will host working group meetings on the continent and in the U.S. on key issues in the following sectors: Agribusiness, Capacity Building, Energy, Finance, Health, ICT, Infrastructure, Security, Tourism and Trade.

For more information, please visit www.corporatecouncilonafrica.com

1100 17th Street, NW, Suite 1200 * Washington, DC 20036, U.S.A Tel: 202.835.1115 * Fax: 202.835.1117 * www.corporatecouncilonafrica.org The Corporate Council on Africa is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization