Pan African Visions

Zoom On The US-African Business Summit With Florie Liser

June 11, 2025

By Ajong Mbapndah L*

Our team at the CCA is working closely with the Government of Angola, our members, and a range of public and private sector partners to deliver a world-class Summit, says Florie Liser

There’s a genuine sense of pride and ownership in Angola hosting this year’s US-Africa Business Summit, says Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa-CCA. Fielding questions from PAV, Florie Liser, a veteran of US trade with Africa says the CCA is working closely with the Government of Angola, our members, and a range of public and private sector partners to deliver a world-class Summit, in Luanda, Angola.

Running from June 22 – 25, CCA’s 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit will bring together more than 1,500 delegates including African presidents, heads of government and ministers, senior U.S. Government officials and leaders from U.S. and African companies. The 2025 Summit sessions will cover the full range of opportunities to expand U.S.-Africa trade, investment and business relations.

We expect robust U.S. government participation at the highest levels, as they recognize that this Summit is not just an event — it’s a platform to drive real deals, deepen partnerships, and shape the future of U.S.-Africa business relations,” says Florie Liser.

What gives me confidence is the enduring strength of U.S.-Africa business relationships that transcend any single administration, Florie Liser says in response to the uncertainty created by the tariff regime of the Trump administration.

While policy shifts may occur, the fundamentals remain clear: Africa is a critical trade and investment partner, with a young, growing population and a rapidly transforming economy. U.S. companies see the opportunity, and many are committed to long-term engagement, Florie Liser says.

“At the CCA, we continue to advocate for stable, mutually beneficial trade and investment frameworks, and we believe this administration recognizes the strategic importance of deepening ties with Africa,” says Liser citing progress with prospects of renewing AGOA and the US-Africa Leaders Summit later in the year as positive signs. 

 May we know how preparations are going for the 2025 USA Africa business summit?

Preparations are progressing very well. The excitement is building both in the U.S. and across the African continent. Our team at the Corporate Council on Africa is working closely with the Government of Angola, our members, and a range of public and private sector partners to deliver a world-class Summit. We are finalizing the agenda, securing high-level speakers, and coordinating with both U.S. and African stakeholders to ensure this Summit is impactful, inclusive, and forward-looking. Angola has been an exceptional partner, and their commitment to making this Summit a success is evident in every aspect of the planning process.  We are pleased that there are now 8 African Heads of State or Government leaders confirmed as well as Ministers and leaders of key institutions including the AU, African Development Bank, AfCFTA Secretariat and AUDA-NEPAD.  The Summit will be an important opportunity to shape and advance the U.S.-Africa economic partnership through trade, investment, and commercial engagement.

President Lourenço has empowered a high level inter ministerial team to work with the CCA to ensure the Summit’s success, says Florie Liser.

You were in Angola recently, what is the mood like in anticipation of the Summit?

The energy in Luanda is palpable. There’s a genuine sense of pride and ownership in Angola hosting this prestigious gathering. From government officials to private sector leaders and everyday citizens, everyone I met understands the significance of this moment — not just for Angola, but for Southern Africa and the continent at large.   I had the privilege of meeting with President Lourenço who has empowered a high level inter ministerial team to work with CCA to ensure the Summit’s success.

What motivated the choice of Angola to host the 2025 Summit?

Angola is the Chair of the African Union Presidency this year and is leading the continent-wide efforts of the AU and countries across the continent to promote peace and prosperity.  This also seemed a good coincidence that while Angola is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence, that it is working with other nations to lead African continental integration and economic development.   Angola also represents a dynamic and evolving economy with immense potential for deeper U.S.-Africa business engagement – not unlike a number of other African nations.  The country is not only rich in natural resources, but also actively working to diversify its economy, modernize infrastructure, and create a more business-friendly environment. Angola is also a key anchor in the Lobito Corridor, a strategic regional initiative linking the economies of Angola, DRC and Zambia to transport and transform key mineral, agricultural and other value chains.  This project also aligns with U.S. priorities for sustainable development through infrastructure, energy, and trade connectivity in Southern Africa and serves as a model for similar projects across the continent.

May we know some of the innovations participants should expect at this year's Summit?

Absolutely. We’re building on the success of the previous Summits but also introducing several new features. For the first time, we’ll be incorporating a Lobito Corridor Investment session, focusing on regional opportunities along this vital trade route. We’re also launching a Future of Africa Pavilion, showcasing innovations in sectors like fintech, climate tech, agribusiness, and creative industries. There will be curated matchmaking sessions, deal rooms, and expanded youth and women entrepreneur programming. In addition, we’re making the Summit more interactive with sector-specific site visits and immersive experiences that connect participants directly to the African business landscape.

Still on participation, any idea on some of the African leaders and big corporate names who have confirmed their presence in Angola?


You have probably seen our recent announcement of a number of African heads of state or government leaders who have confirmed their participation including from Southern, East, West and North Africa (some confirmations list below). On the corporate side, many of the top U.S. and African multinationals in sectors like energy, agribusiness, infrastructure, ICT, and finance have already confirmed or expressed strong interest. Companies like Chevron, Visa, Coca-Cola who are longstanding partners on the continent as well as major Angolan and other African companies will be well-represented, as will emerging U.S. and African SMEs and startups who are driving innovation and growth

Confirmed Heads of State & Vice Presidents:

  1. H.E. João Lourenço, President, Republic of Angola
  2. H.E. Duma Boko, President, Republic of Botswana
  3. H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, President, Democratic Republic of the Congo
  4. H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President, Republic of Equatorial Guinea
  5. H.E. Brice Oligui Nguema, President, Gabonese Republic
  6. H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President, Republic of Ghana
  7. H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President, Zambia
  8. H.E. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice President, Tanzania

Confirmed Heads of Government:

  1. H.E. Nadir Larbaoui, Prime Minister, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
  2. H.E. Sam Matekane, Prime Minister, Lesotho
  3. Gervais Ndirakobuca, Prime Minister, Burundi
  4. H.E. Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Prime Minister, Eswatini

Confirmed Ministers

  1. H.E. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana
  2. H.E. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Republic of Mauritius
  3. H.E. Basílio Muhate, Minister of Economy, Republic of Mozambique

Confirmed African Leaders

  1. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
  2. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD)
  3. Wamkele Keabetswe Mene,Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area

How supportive or involved is the current US administration in the Summit?

The U.S. government remains a vital partner in the Summit and in our broader efforts to strengthen U.S.-Africa business ties. The Trump administration is demonstrating a commitment to engaging Africa as a strategic partner. We expect robust U.S. government participation at the highest levels, as they recognize that this Summit is not just an event — it’s a platform to drive real deals, deepen partnerships, and shape the future of U.S.-Africa business relations.

We expect robust U.S. government participation at the highest levels, as they recognize this Summit as a platform to drive real deals and deepen partnerships , says Florie Liser

With the tariff regime of the Trump administration and the general uncertainty, how concerned are you about the future of trade and business ties between the USA and Africa?

Uncertainty is always a factor in international trade, but what gives me confidence is the enduring strength of U.S.-Africa business relationships that transcend any single administration. While policy shifts may occur, the fundamentals remain clear: Africa is a critical trade and investment partner, with a young, growing population and a rapidly transforming economy. U.S. companies see the opportunity, and many are committed to long-term engagement. At CCA, we continue to advocate for stable, mutually beneficial trade and investment frameworks, and we believe this administration recognizes the strategic importance of deepening ties with Africa.  A reflection of that is the government’s openness on working with us and the Congress to renew AGOA and plans that are being made to hold a U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit later this year.

How affordable is participation for interested companies?

We are very mindful of the need to make the Summit accessible, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, African entrepreneurs, and local businesses. We’ve introduced tiered pricing models, early bird discounts, and targeted sponsorships to support broader participation. In partnership with the Government of Angola, we’re also working to offer special packages for regional participants. Our goal is to ensure that if a company is serious about doing business in Africa, there is a pathway for them to be part of this critical conversation.

For companies interested in joining the CCA, how open are you to welcome new membership?

We are absolutely open and eager to welcome new members. CCA is the premier U.S. business association focused exclusively on U.S.-Africa business relations. Whether you're a large multinational or a growing SME, a U.S. or African company, membership in CCA provides unparalleled access to high-level decision-makers, curated networking opportunities, market intelligence, and a platform to shape policy and drive business. As the landscape evolves, so does our network — and we believe in bringing fresh voices and new ideas to the table.

 Any last sales pitch you would like to make to potential participants, why should they be in Angola?

If you're serious about doing business in Africa — if you want to connect with the leaders shaping the continent’s future, and if you’re looking to build real partnerships that translate into real impact — then you need to be in Luanda this June. Angola is opening its doors to the world, and the 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit is your gateway to opportunity. This isn't just another conference — it’s a catalytic platform for action. Come to Angola. Come to connect. Come to invest in Africa’s future.

*Culled from June Issue of PAV Magazine

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