EVENT AGENDA

Monday

22nd September 2025

Venue:
320 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York City (side event during UNGA)
Event Timing:
Doors open at 9:00 AM for registration & networking; the program runs from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, concluding at 5:00 PM
Event EMCEE:
Ralph Charles
Format:
Plenaries, Panels, Keynotes, Special Remarks, Deal Room, Networking

MORNING SESSION: U.S.–AFRICA TRADE & INVESTMENT (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Registration & Networking

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

Executive Brief: Gbenga Omotayo – Executive Director, USAfrica Business Week

Setting the Stage: Rev. Zagery Oliver - focus on deal-making

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Keynote #1 - Hon. Reta Jo Lewis – Former President & CEO, EXIM Bank

10:30 AM - 10:40 AM

Keynote #2 - H.E. Caleb Muftwang – Governor of Plateau State, H.E. Dauda Lawal - Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria

10:40 AM : 10:45 AM

Framing Remarks - Oren Wyche-Shaw – Head of Investments and Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures LLC

10:45 AM - 11:20 AM

Panel 1: Commercial Diplomacy – U.S.–Africa Trade Partnerships Beyond AGOA

This high-level dialogue explores the shifting role of U.S. commercial diplomacy in advancing

U.S.–Africa trade and investment. Panellists will discuss how U.S. agencies, African governments,

and diaspora capital can collaborate to strengthen bilateral commerce in a post-AGOA

environment.

  • Oren Wyche-Shaw – Head of Investments and Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures LLC

  • Dr Tonye Rex Idaminabo – Elevate Africa / African Achievers Awards

  • Marilyn Crawford – President & CEO, Windsor Primetime LLC

  • Matthew Opoku Prempeh - Former Minister of Education, Ghana

11:20 AM - 11:50 AM

Panel 2: Driving Trade & Industrial Value Chains in Africa

This session explores how Africa can move beyond raw exports to build competitive trade and

industrial ecosystems. Panellists will highlight opportunities in agriculture, processing, logistics,

and manufacturing, while addressing financing, innovation, and partnerships that strengthen

Africa’s role in global value chains.

  • Ngozi Oyewole – CEO, Noxie Limited

  • Dr Rotimi Akinyemiju – Founder & CEO - Intesup, LLC

  • Brian Laung Aoaeh, CFA – Co-Founder, Refashioned, Worldwide Supply Chain

    Federation.

11:50 AM - 12:00 PM

Special Remarks:

Hon. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick – U.S. Congresswoman (FL-20) - Intro by Ralph Charles

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Special Remarks:

Hon. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick – U.S. Congresswoman (FL-20) - Intro by Ralph Charles

AFTERNOON SESSION: CRITICAL MINERALS PLENARIES

12:50 PM - 12:55 PM

Keynote #3 - Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo – Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana

12:55 PM - 1:40 PM

Panel 3 - Ministerial Roundtable on Critical Minerals: Policy, Partnership, and Value Addition

A high-level dialogue among African ministers and U.S. partners on accelerating responsible

critical-minerals development—from exploration to local beneficiation and manufacturing. The

session will spotlight policy alignment, de-risking instruments, infrastructure and energy enablers,

transparent supply chains, and win-win U.S.–Africa partnerships that move beyond raw exports.

  • Dr Femi Salami – Managing Partner, MinePro (USA)

  • H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo – Min of Natural Resources & Pet, Angola

  • H.E. Dr João Baptista Borges – Minister of Energy & Water, Angola

  • Hon. Wilmot J. M. Paye – Minister of Mines & Energy, Republic of Liberia

  • Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo - Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana

1:40 PM - 2:20 PM

Panel 4: Optimization and Monetizing Africa’s Metals & Minerals

This session will examine how African nations can capture greater value from their vast mineral

resources by moving beyond extraction into refining, processing, and manufacturing. Panelists will

highlight investment opportunities, technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and

U.S.–Africa collaboration to ensure Africa plays a central role in the global green and digital

economy.

  • Vivian Ojo - Strategy & Resource Mobilization Specialist, African Development Bank, Moderator

  • Col. C. Derek Campbell – Executive Chairman, LVC Global Holdings

  • Ben Kincaid - CEO, ReElement Africa

  • Mahnaz Khan - Silverado Policy Institute

2:20 PM - 3:00 PM

Panel 5: Ethical Sourcing & Sustainable Mining

This discussion will focus on ensuring Africa’s mineral wealth drives inclusive and sustainable

development. Panellists will explore frameworks for ethical sourcing, transparency in supply chains,

ESG compliance and community benefits. The session will highlight how governments, businesses,

and investors can collaborate to enforce environmental standards, protect labor rights, and build

traceable supply chains that meet U.S. and global market expectations.

  • Selina Hayes – Founder & CEO, Hayes Group International

  • Bez Owusu - Chairman of Ignite Mining

  • Jaye Connolly – CEO & Chairman, RippleNami Inc.

3:00 PM

Closing Remarks

  • Karen Booker

  • Femi Akinbi

  • Ralph Charles

INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEAL ROOM

The Deal Room will be open throughout the day. We have curated a selection of investors, collaborators, and experts for the

Deal Room. Participants who have requested matchmaking will receive a separate agenda, and additional details will be

communicated accordingly.

USAFRICA BUSINESS WEEK

Join Our Deal Room

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