Celebrating Connections
AAI’s 2025 African Diplomatic Engagement Program
Amb. Troy Fitrell, Amb. Mohamed Said Doualeh (Djibouti), Felicia Appenteng (AAI), Tarek Ben Youssef (African Union)
On October 6, 2025, the Africa-America Institute (AAI) and the African Union Mission to the United States co-hosted the annual African Diplomatic Engagement Program (DIPLO) in Washington, D.C. — a tradition since 2019. Convened in partnership with the African Diplomatic Corps, DIPLO has become a cornerstone of reflection, dialogue, and strategy during pivotal moments in U.S.–Africa relations. With the significant policy transition underway in the first year of the current administration, the session raised critical questions about how the diplomatic corps should begin to pivot.
AAI established DIPLO to support both new and seasoned ambassadors as they navigate Washington’s policy ecosystem. The convening deepens policy engagement, strengthens alliances, and elevates Africa’s voice in U.S. policy conversations. This year’s event reaffirmed AAI’s mission to unite diplomacy, policy, and partnership around Africa’s future, drawing representatives from more than 35 embassies for a dynamic half-day program.
Discussions centered on issues shaping today’s global order — trade and investment, the African Diaspora, education, and artificial intelligence — themes drawn from consultations between AAI leadership and embassy personnel. The curated dialogues highlighted Africa’s indispensable role in shaping global cooperation, innovation governance, and human capital development.
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, former NSC Senior Director for Africa
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; 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.
“The core of AAI’s mission is the belief that the Diaspora can be a powerful force for advocacy, innovation and connection. DIPLO is a special opportunity to connect and collaborate. Co-hosting these convenings with the AU Mission is an important way to reaffirm our collective purpose through curated conversations that can move the needle with U.S. decision-makers and advance Africa’s priorities for education, prosperity and peace on the global stage.”
“Too often, ‘diplomacy’ is seen as polite restraint—saying less, revealing little. At AAI’s DIPLO convenings, we challenge this notion and instead create space for honest dialogue, thoughtful exchange, and proactive collaboration. And it’s making a difference: African embassies came together and engaged openly and constructively. This year’s DIPLO fostered rich, energizing conversation that sparked new ideas, deepened connections, and renewed our collective commitment to shaping a future that reflects Africa’s full promise.”
Anne-Marea Griffin, AAI Special Advisor
Anne Griffin, AAI’s program lead for DIPLO and moderator of the underscored the pivotal role of the African Diaspora, recognized by the African Union as the continent’s “sixth region.” AAI reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the Diaspora remains an active, visible, and respected partner in advancing Africa’s priorities globally.
Looking ahead, DIPLO participants emphasized key policy priorities: advancing U.S.–Africa trade and AI policy engagement, strengthening Diaspora coordination through unified advocacy, and expanding strategic partnerships with diplomatic, academic, business, and civil society actors. These efforts aim to amplify Africa’s influence in shaping global policy and investment, elevating Africa’s voice and deepening the bonds uniting the continent and its global Diaspora. Starting in 2026, AAI will be hosting an African Diplomatic Engagement Program every 6 months.
