The Empower Africa Business Platform is Now Live !!!
The 17th edition of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit took place in Luanda, Angola, drawing an unprecedented number of participants.
Held from June 22 to 25, the gathering brought together more than 2,700 delegates from both public and private sectors across Africa and the United States.
Among them were 12 African Heads of State — the highest number in the event’s history.
Representing the U.S. government was a senior delegation led by Ambassador Troy Fitrell, the Acting Head of African Affairs. Other high-ranking officials present included:
Massad Boulos – Senior Advisor for Africa
Thomas Hardy – Acting Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Constance Hamilton – Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa
Connor Coleman – Chief of Staff and Investment Head, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
Tamara Maxwell – Senior VP for Small Business, Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
The goal of the U.S. team was to boost economic ties, promote investment opportunities, and advance trade between American and African partners.
Their participation reflects the U.S. commitment to deeper business collaboration with the continent.
During the summit, business and government leaders announced over $2.5 billion in new deals.
These partnerships highlight a growing focus on investment and trade as the foundation for economic development, moving away from aid-driven models.
Amer-Con and Angola’s Logistics Agency: A partnership agreement will see the construction of 22 grain silos along Angola’s Lobito Corridor. The project, backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank, aims to strengthen food supply chains and storage infrastructure.
Cybastion and Angola Telecom: A $170 million deal was signed to expand digital networks and cybersecurity in Angola. Cybastion’s program will also train local talent in tech and infrastructure management.
CEC Africa and AG&P: Sierra Leone will soon be home to West Africa’s first liquefied natural gas terminal built with U.S. technology. This terminal, part of a broader power project, will provide affordable energy to local households and industries.
Ruzizi III and Anzana Electric: A new partnership gives Anzana Electric a 10% stake in a $760 million hydropower project spanning Rwanda and the DRC. The plant is expected to supply power to 30 million people and foster regional cooperation.
Ethiopia Investment Holdings and U.S. International Finance Partners: Plans are underway to invest over $200 million in high-end tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia, including hotels and branded residences. The agreement aligns with national development priorities and was signed in the presence of President Taye Atske Selassie.
Hydro-Link and Angola’s Government: Hydro-Link committed to building a $1.5 billion transmission line connecting Angolan hydropower sources to mines in the DRC. The 1,150-kilometer line will deliver up to 1.2 GW of electricity to support the mining sector.
The scale and results of this summit reflect growing momentum in U.S.-Africa commercial relations.
With large investments and high-level commitments, both regions are signalling a shared interest in building sustainable partnerships focused on economic growth.
South Africa’s leading independent payments processor, Adumo, has been acquired by fellow fintech company Lesaka in a deal valued at ZAR 1.59 billion (US$85.9 million), subject to approvals.
The Mastercard Foundation has announced a significant expansion of its partnerships with the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to support young women and girls in Africa.
South African e-commerce logistics firm Pargo has secured $4 million in funding to fuel its expansion into Egypt, where it has introduced over 500 “Pargo Points” to enhance delivery options.
