By Ajong Mbapndah L
Mauritius has been selected to host the 2026 U.S.–Africa Business Summit, with official dates set for July 26–29, 2026, marking a major milestone in U.S.–Africa economic engagement and positioning the island nation at the center of transatlantic trade and investment dialogue.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Port Louis by the Government of Mauritiusand theCorporate Council on Africa (CCA), formally launching preparations for one of the most influential business and policy gatherings focused on U.S.–Africa commercial relations.
Hosted for the first time in Mauritius, the four-day Summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 high-level participants, including African heads of state and ministers, senior U.S. government officials, CEOs, investors, and leaders from multilateral institutions. The event will feature plenary sessions, high-level dialogues, sector-focused forums, business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings, and curated networking opportunities aimed at accelerating deal-making and investment flows.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam described the Summit as a defining opportunity for Mauritius and the continent.
“Mauritius is honored to host the 2026 U.S.–Africa Business Summit. Our nation has long served as a bridge between Africa and the world, and this Summit reinforces our commitment to advancing strategic partnerships that drive business, investment, and mutually beneficial economic collaboration between the United States and Africa,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming global leaders and showcasing the opportunities that Mauritius and Africa have to offer.”
Mauritius’ selection reflects its growing profile as a business-friendly gateway to Africa, supported by strong institutions, a diversified economy, and deep links to global markets across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Dhananjay Ramful emphasized the broader regional significance of the Summit.
“This announcement marks a major step in our collaboration with the Corporate Council on Africa,” he said. “The Summit will further elevate Mauritius as a hub for regional and continental integration, trade facilitation, and investment. We are committed to delivering a successful and impactful Summit that benefits Mauritius, the wider African region, and our American partners.”
CCA President and CEO Florie Liser underscored Mauritius’ strategic value in shaping the future of U.S.–Africa commercial engagement.
“CCA is delighted to partner with the Government of Mauritius to host the 2026 U.S.–Africa Business Summit,” Liser said. “Mauritius offers a dynamic and business-friendly environment that reflects the future and potential of U.S.–Africa trade and investment. Together, we aim to convene public and private sector leaders at the highest levels to drive meaningful dialogue, forge partnerships, and expand opportunities across the continent.”
For more than three decades, Corporate Council on Africa has served as the leading U.S. business association dedicated exclusively to strengthening commercial ties between the United States and Africa. The Summit—first launched in 1997—has hosted more than 50 African heads of state and consistently draws thousands of participants from over 40 countries, making it the premier platform for shaping U.S.–Africa trade and investment policy.
The momentum from the 2025 U.S.–Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, which brought together 12 African heads of state and over 2,800 participants from 85 countries, is expected to carry into Mauritius in 2026, with heightened focus on sectors such as energy, critical minerals, agribusiness, infrastructure, health, finance, and digital innovation.
As preparations begin, the 2026 Summit is widely seen as a pivotal moment to deepen U.S.–Africa economic partnerships, unlock new investment opportunities, and reinforce Africa’s role in global supply chains—while spotlighting Mauritius as a strategic hub for business and diplomacy in the region.
