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More than $2.5 billion in new deals and commitments between the United States and African partners were announced at the 17th summit, underscoring the U.S. commitment to prioritizing trade over aid by engaging Africans as equal partners in investment-driven growth, the State Department announced.
"The record turnout clearly demonstrated that both U.S. and African leaders are strongly committed to significantly expanding trade and investment. The U.S. aimed at the Summit to secure important deals and commitments for American companies and to create favorable conditions to increase U.S. exports and investment in Africa," - the statement reads.
From 22 to 25 June, more than 2,700 U.S. and African public and private sector leaders gathered for the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, hosted by the Corporate Council on Africa and the President of Angola. This year’s Summit marked a record turnout, including 12 African Heads of State.
The U.S. Delegation, led by Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, included the senior-most officials - 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, Head of Investments and Chief of Staff, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation; Tamara Maxwell, Senior Vice President for Small Business, Export-Import Bank of the United States.
Africa is the second-fastest-growing region
This year, 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies are in Africa, making it the second-fastest-growing region globally—trailing only Asia.
Technology is transforming the continent’s economic landscape. Africa’s digital economy, currently valued at $180 billion, is projected to surpass $700 billion by 2050. This growth is more than a statistic; it marks a fundamental shift in how business is conducted and highlights a surge in consumer demand. In 2024 alone, Africa imported $435 billion in goods—nearly nine times the amount in 2000.
Africa’s global influence is also expanding. Its increasing participation in multilateral institutions—most notably, the African Union’s permanent seat in the G20—reflects the continent’s growing role in shaping global policy. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to 2.5 billion people, accounting for a quarter of the world’s population, with projected purchasing power exceeding $16 trillion.
Major Deals and Commitments for U.S. Companies
Amer-Con Corporation & Angolan Cargo and Logistics Certification Regulatory Agency
A U.S. consortium led by Florida-based Amer-Con Corporation signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Angolan Cargo and Logistics Certification Regulatory Agency to construct and operate 22 grain silo terminals along the Lobito Corridor. The project is backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank and is expected to significantly enhance Angola’s food security and agri-logistics capacity.
Cybastion & Angola Telecom
U.S. technology firm Cybastion and Angola Telecom signed a $170 million investment deal to expand digital infrastructure and cybersecurity through Cybastion’s 'Digital Fast Track' initiative, providing local training and modern infrastructure for Angola’s digital transformation.
CEC Africa & AG&P
CEC Africa Sierra Leone Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop West Africa’s first U.S.-sourced LNG terminal, in partnership with AG&P and backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The terminal will power the 108MW Nant Power Project in Sierra Leone and enable affordable energy for industrial and household use in Sierra Leone.
Ruzizi III Holding Power Company & Anzana Electric Group
The Ruzizi III Holding Power Company signed an Invitation to Partner with U.S.-based Anzana Electric Group, paving the way for a 10% equity stake in a $760 million hydropower project spanning Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project will deliver reliable energy to 30 million people across the region and promote regional integration and stability.
Ethiopia Investment Holdings and U.S. International Finance Partners
Ethiopia Investment Holdings signed a Memorandum of Understanding with U.S. International Finance Partners to invest more than $200 million in the development of luxury hotels, branded residences, and related tourism infrastructure in Ethiopia. The agreement aligns with the development priorities of Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, who witnessed the signing.
Hydro-Link and the Government of Angola
U.S. energy investor Hydro-Link signed an agreement with the Angolan Government to develop a $1.5 billion private transmission line connecting hydropower sites in Angola to critical mineral mines in the DRC. This 1,150-kilometre transmission corridor will enable the delivery of up to 1.2 gigawatts of reliable electricity from Angola’s Luaca plant and other hydroelectric facilities to the Kolwezi mining region in the DRC, supporting the region’s mining operations and energy needs.
Ukraine has welcomed the European Union’s decision to provide €90 billion in support over the next two years, calling it a vital lifeline even as the bloc failed to reach agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance the aid.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has warned that attempts to reach a peace agreement in Ukraine are being undermined by Russia’s continued refusal to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
Petroleum products are being transported by rail from Azerbaijan to Armenia for the first time in decades. The move is hailed as a tangible breakthrough in efforts to normalise relations between the long-time rivals.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging address from the White House in which he sought to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements while laying the groundwork for his plans for the year ahead and beyond, on Wednesday (18 December).
A rare pair of bright-green Nike “Grinch” sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant have gone on public display in Beverly Hills, ahead of an auction that could set a new record for sports memorabilia.
Warner Bros Discovery’s board rejected Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion hostile bid on Wednesday (17 December), citing insufficient financing guarantees.
Ford Motor Company said on Monday it will take a $19.5 billion writedown and scrap several electric vehicle (EV) models, marking a major retreat from its battery-powered ambitions amid declining EV demand and changes under the Trump administration.
Iran has rolled out changes to how fuel is priced at the pump. The move is aimed at managing demand without triggering public anger.
U.S. stock markets closed lower at the end of the week, as investors continued to rotate out of technology shares, putting pressure on major indices.
The U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75% following its two-day policy meeting, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday, 10 December.
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