AGENDA
GATEWAY TO AFRICA
Exploring Investment Opportunities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Beyond
DAY 1. October 15, 2026
Diplomatic Engagement & Investment Vision Partnerships, and Opportunity
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Registration & Networking Reception
- Guest check-in
- Informal networking with investors, entrepreneurs, and partners
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Opening Ceremony & Diplomatic Welcome
- Welcome Remarks – Virginia Africa Partnership
- Introduction of distinguished guests
- Special Diplomatic Remarks:
- Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Representatives of participating African countries
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Keynote Address
“Why Africa, Why Now? Strategic Investment Opportunities in the DRC and Beyond”
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Panel Discussion
Entering African Markets: Opportunities, Risks, and Realities
Topics include:
- Business environment in African markets
- Key sectors: mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Lessons from investors and entrepreneurs
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Evening Networking Reception
- Business matchmaking
- Sponsor recognition
- Media engagement
Day 2 – October 16, 2026
Theme: Investment, Inclusion & Strategic Partnerships (Full Day)
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Networking Breakfast Reception
- Coffee and light breakfast
- Early engagement with speakers and investors
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Country Investment Briefings
Representatives from participating African nations present:
- Priority investment sectors
- Business climate and reforms
- Partnership opportunities
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
U.S.–Africa Investment Pathways: Access to Capital, Partnerships, and Growth Opportunities
Focus:
- Investment structures and funding options
- Role of banks, private equity, and development finance
- Public-private partnerships
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Black Women Leading Global Business: Bridging the U.S. and Africa
This featured panel highlights the critical role of Black women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving innovation, expanding global trade, and shaping inclusive economic growth across the United States and Africa.
Panel Focus
- Empowering Black women entrepreneurs and SMEs to expand and compete in global markets
- Increasing access to funding, supplier diversity programs, and corporate opportunities
- Promoting cross-continental partnerships, mentorship, and leadership development
- Creating pathways for SMEs to engage in international trade and scalable investment opportunities
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Lunch & Networking
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Doing Business in the DRC and Emerging African Markets: Legal Frameworks, Policy, and Partnerships
Focus:
- Regulatory environments across participating African countries
- Investment protections and risk mitigation strategies
- Government partnerships and public-private collaboration
- Trade, compliance, and cross-border considerations
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Networking Break
4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Diaspora as a Catalyst: Building U.S.–Africa Business Bridges
- The strategic role of the African diaspora in facilitating investment through cultural insight, language fluency, and trusted networks
- Leveraging connections and local knowledge to navigate markets, build credibility, and reduce entry barriers
- Success stories and case studies of diaspora-led investments and enterprises
- Building sustainable, cross-continental partnerships between U.S. and African stakeholders
5:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Closing Session
- Key takeaways
- Future collaboration opportunities
Closing remarks