GATEWAY TO AFRICA

Exploring Investment Opportunities in the DR Congo and Beyond.

October 15-16, 2026

Holiday Inn Express, 2000 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, Virginia 23230 USA

Event Overview

Slated to take place in Richmond, Virginia, USA, on October 15 and 16, this two-day event will bring together investors, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from the United States and Africa to explore strategic investment opportunities and foster meaningful partnerships. Gateway to Africa is designed to create a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and economic engagement between Virginia and emerging African markets, with a special focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key Access/Value

Key government officials from selected African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as high-level entrepreneurs, will be present to introduce participants to key investment opportunities across priority sectors such as mining and natural resources, energy and power, infrastructure and construction, agriculture and agribusiness, technology and digital innovation, and manufacturing. Through direct engagement with decision-makers and industry leaders, attendees will gain valuable insights into the business environment, explore potential partnerships, and better understand the pathways for investing and operating in DR Congo and beyond.

Startegic Opportunities/ Why Virginia

With the recent partnership agreement between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Virginia-based companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a unique opportunity to expand their operations into one of Africa’s most resource-rich and strategically important markets. This moment presents a timely opening for U.S. businesses to position themselves, compete with other global actors already operating in the region, and build long-term partnerships.

Virginia’s dynamic diaspora communities create natural bridges for cultural understanding, trust-building, and business collaboration. These connections make Virginia an ideal starting point for building sustainable partnerships with African markets, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Event Highlights

Investment Panels
Business Networking Sessions
Government & Private Sector Engagement
Partnership & Deal Opportunities

Speakers

High-level speakers, including government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States, will be announced soon