WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 29, 2023 – Scott Nathan, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), will lead a high-level U.S. delegation to the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, July 11-14 in Gaborone, Botswana. The event is hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the Government of Botswana and builds on the momentum of the successful 2022 U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit.
Prosper Africa, the U.S. Government initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and African countries, is a sponsor of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit.
To mark the six-month milestone after the conclusion of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022, the delegation will draw attention to how the United States is delivering on high-profile U.S. Government and private sector commitments, including the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA), a signature initiative of the Biden-Harris Administration.
The Prosper Africa Coordinator will be announced at the special session.
“I look forward to leading a delegation of experienced leaders from across the U.S. Government to Botswana, each of us committed to unleashing the power of the private sector to advance economic opportunity across the African continent,” said DFC CEO Scott Nathan. “The U.S.-Africa Business Summit presents a prime opportunity for us to discuss the progress of U.S. efforts to mobilize private capital across critical sectors. We need to focus on what more we can do together, along with African leaders, to support private sector solutions to development challenges and to attract private investment to drive greater prosperity for all Africans.”
Since December 2022, the investment value of deals and partnerships committed in the Prosper Africa Deal Room at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit increased by a half a billion dollars from $15.7 billion to $16.2 billion. Additionally, there has been an unprecedented pace of U.S. Cabinet or principal level travel to Africa since December, including Vice President Kamala Harris; Secretaries Janet Yellen of U.S. Department of Treasury, Antony Blinken of U.S. Department of State, Lloyd J. Austin of U.S. Department of Defense, Miguel Cardona of U.S. Department of Education, and Marcia L. Fudge of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Administrator Samantha Power of U.S. Agency for International Development; UN Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield; First Lady Dr. Jill Biden; and U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh Ebong.
The U.S. delegation will include senior government officials and leading U.S. investors that represent over $2 trillion in assets. During the Summit, the United States will demonstrate its enduring commitment to the continent and will connect dynamic U.S. and African companies looking to do business in Africa, and global investors seeking the long-term returns offered by Africa’s fast-growing markets.
The delegation will include:
- Scott Nathan, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
- Enoh Ebong, Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
- Judd Devermont, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Africa, White House National Security Council
- Ambassador Johnnie Carson, U.S. Special Presidential Representative for U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Implementation
- Travis Adkins, President and CEO, U.S. African Development Foundation
The U.S. institutional investor delegation attending the summit will include:
- Joseph Boateng, Chief Investment Officer, Casey Family Foundation
- April Chan, Trustee, East Bay Municipal Utility District Board
- Anthony Giordano, Chairman Designee, NYC Board of Education Retirement System
- Kathy Hahn, Director, Casey Family Program
- Courtney Knight, Treasurer, City of Atlanta, Georgia
- Nelson Pereira, Principal, Investment Director – Alternatives, Mercer
- Steve Wilkinson, Trustee, Oakland Police and Fire Retirement System Board
Portions of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit will be live broadcast on CNBC Africa. Visit the U.S.-Africa Business Summit website for more information.
Contact: Prosper Africa. Email, prospercomms@usaid.gov, if you are interested in interview opportunities.
About Prosper Africa
Prosper Africa is the U.S. Government initiative to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and African countries. Through Prosper Africa, the U.S. Government partners with businesses and investors to advance deals, promote market opportunities, and strengthen business and investment climates. To learn more and connect with Prosper Africa advisors, visit prosperafrica.gov.
About DFC
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.