October 6, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

The program opened with remarks and greetings from Felicia Appenteng, AAI’s President & CEO; Tarek Ben Youssef, African Union Mission to the United States; Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh from the Republic of Djibouti to the United States and Vice Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps; Angelle Kwemo, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Cheriflus-McCormick’s Deputy Chief of Staff; Ambassador Troy Fitrell; and Ani Joan Orugboh, Chevron.

After welcome remarks, the program consisted of three, hour-long panel discussions with listed panelists and moderators:

I. Prospects for Trade and Investment: Reimagining the Role of the Private Sector

Moderator: Dana Banks, US Chamber of Commerce's Africa Business Center

Panelists: Dr. Witney Schneidman, Schneidman Associates & Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Helaina Matza, Techmet (former Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment); and Florie Liser, Corporate Council on Africa

II. Education: Revamping Skills in the AI Age with Global Partnerships

Moderator: Dr. Joseph Sany, Former Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace

Panelists: Sandra Tombe, George Mason University; Ola Mohajer, Transcend; Freda Yawson Aminu, African Center for Economic Transformation; and Crystal Rugege, Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

III. The Role of African Diaspora Advocacy

Moderator: Dr. Anne-Marea Griffin, The Africa-America Institute

Panelists: Dr. Tonija Hope, Howard University; Elizabeth Hoffman, ONE Campaign; Adjoa Kyerematen, Ghana Diaspora Public Affairs Collective; and Semhar Araia, The Diaspora Academy

Each was followed by 15 minutes of questions and answers from African Diplomats in attendance.

The program concluded with “Reflections from Ambassadors on Action Steps,” moderated by AAI’s President & CEO, Felicia Appenteng, and a reception.