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Black Tie International Magazine
USAfrica
Business Week |
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Convener, USAfrica Business Week
Karen Booker,
Chairperson, USAfrica Business Week
CEO, Alkebulan Global
Hon. Latrice Monique Walker, ESQ
Member of Assembly 55th District |
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USAfrica
Business Week
September 20
& 22 2025
NYC |
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Welcome
Remarks
Executive Brief:
Gbenga Omotayo
Executive Director,
USAfrica Business Week
Setting the Stage:
Rev. Zagery Oliver -
focus on dealmaking
Keynote #1
Hon. Reta Jo Lewis
Former President &
CEO, EXIM Bank
Keynote #2
H.E. Caleb Muftwang
Governor of PlateauState
H.E. Dauda Lawa
Governor of Zamfara State,
Nigeria
Framing Remarks
Oren Wyche-Shaw
Head of Investments and Partnerships at
YAATRA
Ventures LLC
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Panel 1:
Commercial Diplomacy –
U.S.–Africa Trade Partnerships Beyond AGOA
This high-level dialogue examines the evolving role
of U.S.
commercial diplomacy in promoting U.S.–Africa trade
and
investment. Panelists will discuss how U.S.
agencies,
African governments, and diaspora capital can
collaborate to strengthen bilateral commerce
in a postAGOA environment.
Oren Wyche-Shaw
– Head of Investments and
Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures LLC
Dr. Tonye Rex Idaminabo
Elevate Africa / African Achievers Awards
Marilyn Crawford
President & CEO, Windsor Primetime
LLC
Matthew Opoku Prempeh
Former Minister of
Education, Ghana |
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Panel 2:
Driving Trade & Industrial Value
Chains in Africa |
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This session
examines how Africa can transition from
relying on raw exports to developing competitive
trade
and industrial ecosystems. Panelists will highlight
opportunities in agriculture, processing, logistics,
and
manufacturing, while addressing financing,
innovation,
and partnerships that strengthen Africa’s role in
global
value chains.
Ngozi Oyewole
CEO, Noxie Limited
Dr. Rotimi Akinyemiju
Founder & CEO - Intesup, LLC
Brian Laung Aoaeh, CFA
Co-Founder, Refashioned,
Worldwide Supply Chain Federation
Nombasa Mawela
Dubai Real Estate Pioneer & Business Leader |
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Special
Remarks:
Hon. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
– U.S. Congresswoman (FL-20)
- Intro by Ralph Charles |
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Critical
Minerals Resources |
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Keynote
#3
H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba
Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic
of Congo |
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Panel 3
Ministerial Roundtable on Critical
Minerals: Policy, Partnership, and Value Addition
A high-level dialogue among African ministers and
U.S.
partners on accelerating responsible
critical-minerals
development—from exploration to local beneficiation
and
manufacturing. The session will spotlight policy
alignment,
de-risking instruments, infrastructure and energy
enablers,
transparent supply chains, and win-win U.S.–Africa
partnerships that move beyond raw exports.
Dr. Femi Salami
Managing Partner, MinePro (USA)
H.E. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo
Min of Natural
Resources & Pet, Angola
H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba
Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic
of Congo
Hon. Wilmot J. M. Paye
Minister of Mines & Energy,
Republic of Liberia
Hon. Bogolo Kenewendo
Minister of Minerals and
Energy of Botswana |
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Panel 4:
Optimization and Monetizing Africa’s
Metals & Minerals |
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This session
will explore how African nations can maximize
the value of their vast mineral resources by
transitioning
from extraction to refining, processing, and
manufacturing.
Panelists will highlight investment opportunities,
technology
transfer, public-private partnerships, and
U.S.–Africa
collaboration to ensure Africa plays a central role
in the
global green and digital economy.
Vivian Ojo
- Strategy & Resource Mobilization Specialist,
African Development Bank, Moderator
Col. C. Derek Campbell
Executive Chairman, LVC Global Holdings
Ben Kincaid
CEO, ReElement Africa
Mahnaz Khan
Silverado Policy Institute |
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Panel 5:
Ethical Sourcing & Sustainable Mining
This discussion will focus on ensuring Africa’s
mineral
wealth drives inclusive and sustainable development.
Panelists will explore frameworks for ethical
sourcing,
transparency in supply chains, ESG compliance, and
community benefits. The session will highlight how
governments, businesses, and investors can
collaborate to
enforce environmental standards, protect labor
rights,
and build traceable supply chains that meet U.S. and
global market expectations.
Selina Hayes
– Founder & CEO, Hayes Group International
Bez Owusu
Chairman of Ignite Mining
Jaye Connolly
CEO & Chairman, RippleNami Inc.
Tony Lawson
Chief Executive Officer, Tresor Gold |
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Closing
Remarks |
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Femi Akinbi
Karen Booker |
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Convener, USAfrica Business Week |
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Convener, USAfrica Business Week
H.E.
Louis Watum Kabamba
Minister of Mines
of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Vivian Ojo
Director AB Overshare |
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Hon.
Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure,
Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, CFCT, Abuja. |
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H.E.
Caleb Muftwang
Governor of Plateau State,Nigeria |
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The Hon.
Reta Jo Lewis
Fmr. President and CEO, Export-Import Bank, U.S.A |
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H.E.
Dauda Lawal
Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria |
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Rev.
Zachary Oliver |
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Ralph
Charles
Director of Programming USAfrica Business
Selina Hayes
Founder & CEO, Hayes Group International,
Mahnaz Khan
Silverado Policy Institute
Col. C. Derek Campbell
Executive Chairman, LVC Global Holdings; |
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Bez Owusu
Chairman of Ignite Mining
Gbenga Omotayo,
Executive Director, USAFRIA Business Expo
Jaye Connolly
CEO & Chairman, RippleNami Inc.
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Vivian
OYO Ngozi Oyewole
CEO, Noxie Limited
Dr. Rotimi Akinyemiju
Founder & CEO - Intesup, LLC
Brian Laung Aoaeh, CFA
Co-Founder, Refashioned, Worldwide SupplyChain
Federation
Nombasa Mawela-
Dubai Real Estate Pioneer & Business Leader |
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Congresswoman
Sheila Cherfilus McCormick
Florida's 20th congressional district |
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Marilyn
Crawford
President & CEO, Windsor Primetime LLC |
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Oren Wyche-Shaw
Head of Investments and
Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures LLC |
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Vincent
Vicari,
Regional Director
Small Business Development Center
Congresswoman
Sheila Cherfilus McCormick
Florida's 20th congressional district |
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Ralph
Charles
Director of Programming USAfrica Business
Selina Hayes
Founder & CEO, Hayes Group and H.E. Louis
H.E. Louis Watum Kabamba
Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of
Congo |
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Selfie Corner |
Please
e-mail or WeChat , WhatsApp your favorite Selfie
from the
US Africa
Business Week
to
Gerard@blacktiemagazine.com
WeChat

WhatsApp

Please label
US Africa
Business Week
&
Caption the names
left to right
and we will add your picture to this
page.
This opportunity will close on 10 15 2025 |
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The Hon.
Reta Jo Lewis
Fmr. President and CEO, Export-Import Bank, U.S.A
Nnamdi Kalu Ezera
Oren Wyche-Shaw
Head of Investments and
Partnerships at YAATRA Ventures LLC
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H.E.
Louis Watum Kabamba
Minister of Mines
of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Karen Booker,
Chairperson, USAfrica Business Week
Strategic Partner of Kambove Company of DRC
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Firmi
Akinbi |
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Priam Sen,
Irena Makarevich |
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Christian
Anako, Senior Global Advisor, Alkebulan Global |
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Dilip
Chauhan
Deputy Commissioner,
Mayor's Office for International Affairs |
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The Hon.
Reta Jo Lewis
Fmr. President and CEO, Export-Import Bank, U.S.A |
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Gerard Mc
Keon, Kwame Obeng Sieh |
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Kathleen Cronin, Regional Center Assit and Outreach,
NJSBDC |
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Ralph
Charles |
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Serge
Wabeya |
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Jaye
Connolly
CEO & Chairman, RippleNami Inc. |
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Gerard Mc
Keon
Publisher, Black Tie International Magazine
See
you all again next Year! |
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USAfrica Business Week
September 20 , 22
NYC |
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In 2019, we launched the USAfrica
Business Expo with just a dream and a borrowed
venue. Six years and seven editions later, UBW has
become a bridge between entrepreneurs and
policymakers.
We remain committed to helping SMES &
MSMEs access markets, and we’re now taking
the conversation to ministers, investors, and
industry leaders who shape trade, policy, and
investment across the
U.S.–Africa corridor.
This year’s event in New York City
spans two powerful days:
Saturday, Sept 20 – Open-Air Expo
A free-to-attend vibrant
marketplace to showcase products, meet distributors,
and connect with customers.
Monday, Sept 22 – U.S.– High-Level
Roundtable
An invite-only gathering of
government leaders, investors, and experts to
advance trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
Whether you’re on the shop floor or
in the boardroom, UBW 2025
has a place for you.
Reserve your free expo ticket or apply for the
roundtable at
www.usafricabusinessweek.org.
Gbenga Omotayo
Convener, USAfrica Business Week (UBW2025)
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2022
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USAfrica Business
Expo//Conference//Awards
Photos and article by
Black Tie International Magazine/ Gerard
Mc Keon
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Executive Director, USAFRIA Business Expo
Nina-Belle Mbayu, Esq,
Moderator for the Conference |
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Eric L.
Adams
11th Mayor of New York |
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Deborah
D. Feggins, Client Care Specialist, EXIM
LaTaunya Darden, Business Development Specialist,
Exim
Lilian Okoli, CEO, HEDi,
Esther Ephobamien-Mishelia
Founder, Ceo, Wadhi |
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Caroline
Desjardins, Vice President of OWIT, New York
Chapter.
Susan J. Mukanganyama, CEO, NCBC
Jane Olivia, Founder, Jane Olivia Designs
History of South Africa and America Jewelry
Lilian Okoli,
CEO, HEDi,
Olivia Nantongo,
US Diaspora Coordinator on Trade and Investment,
Diaspora Unit
The Republic of Uganda, Office of the President
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Richard
C. Cosgrove, Supervisory Agricultural Operations.
Manager CBP, New York Field Office
Anne Keller, Deputy Assistant Director, Trade and
Cargo Security,
New York Field Office
Magrette Garcia, Program CBP, New York Field Office
Manager
Anita Harris, CBP, Chief Textile Policy, Office of
Trade |
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Vincent
Vicari,
Regional Director
Small Business Development Center
Kathleen Cronin, Regional Center Assit and Outreach,
NJSBDC |
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Dilip
Chauhan
Deputy Commissioner,
Mayor's Office for International Affairs |
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Anne
Keller,
Deputy Assistant Director, Trade and Cargo Security,
New York Field Office |
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Richard
C. Cosgrove,
Supervisor Agricultural Operations.
Manager CBP, New York Field Office |
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Gerard Mc
Keon
Publisher, Black Tie International Magazine
Dr. Ugoji A. Eze, Esq ,
CEO and President of Renew Our Earth
Kathleen
Cronin, Regional Center Assit and Outreach, NJSBDC
Esther Ephobamien-Mishelia
Founder, Ceo, Wadhi
Victoria Akai,
Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and
Industry
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Edward
Mermelstein,
Commissioner,
Mayor's Office for International Affairs |
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Adoye
Owolewa,
United State Representative,
District of Columbia (Shadow) |
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Andreas
Deutschman,
Senior Vice President,
Palladium Capital Group |
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Michelle
Walker-Davis,
Managing Partner, Chief Development Officer, IMG
LaTaunya Darden,
Business Development Specialist, Exim
Vanessa Bucher, CEo, Capital Advisors
Andreas Deutschman,
Senior Vice President,
Palladium Capital Group
Vanessa Bouchereau-Vincent, FRM
CEO, Managing Partner
KCR |
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Vincent
Vicari,
Regional Director
Small Business Development Center
Kathleen Cronin, Regional Center Assit and Outreach,
NJSBDC |
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Aurora
Aquino,
International Business Affairs
New Future Foundation
Esther Ephobamien-Mishelia
Founder, Ceo, Wadhi
Vanessa Bouchereau-Vincent, FRM
CEO, Managing Partner
KCR
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Bernhard
Poitevien
Founder
International Association of Moringa |
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Jonathan
Sellers,
CEO,
Sparks Outbound Digital Marketing |
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Bora,
Business Development,
Beauty Essence Incorporated |
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Esther
Ephobamien-Mishelia
Founder, Ceo,
Wadhi |
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Executive Director, USAFRIA Business Expo
Senator James Sanders JR
10th Senate District
New York State Senate
Vincent Vicari,
Regional Director
Small Business Development Center
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Gbenga
Omotayo,
Executive Director, USAFRIA Business Expo
Latrice Monique Walker
Assembly Women
55th District
New York State Assembly
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Aurora
Aquino,
International Business Affairs
New Future Foundation |
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Gerard Mc
Keon
Publisher, Black Tie International Magazine
See
you all again next Year! |
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Welcome to the USAfrica Business
Expo//Conference//Awards
- on the margins of UNGA77
The USAfrica Business Expo Week
will take place at the United Nations Headquarters
and the UN Hilton, a 5-star hotel across the U.N HQ in
New York
packed with the conference, exhibition hall, and evening cocktail
reception and awards with networking experiences.
As the only B2B Trade Show, Conference & Networking
Event in the margins of the UN General Assembly in NYC.
The expo is an enabling platform for connecting U.S. and
African businesses with new buyers, suppliers, and
investment opportunities.
More Details:
USAfrica
Business Expo//Conference//Awards - Sep 14 | Hopin
African-Based MSMEs Looking to Expanding
& Doing Business In the United States
Whether you’re new to exporting or a seasoned exporter,
you will be able to successfully take your export-ready
products from Africa and make them available for
purchase on various eCommerce platforms and in-stores
around the US.
United States-based MSMEs Looking to
Doing Business
With & In Africa
Connect with the vast resources in Africa, either
through export-import or other means, and the economic
opportunities in #Africa through partnership. Attending
this event will offer you the people, the knowledge, the
connection, and the tools needed to succeed.
U.N High-Level Symposium
Thursday, September 15, 2022
The event will bring together reps of
Govts, UN Agencies, and
development and Trade partners and encourage the
exchange of views, sharing of
experiences, and settling of common goals and targets in
line with
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
particularly those related to health, Trade, and
partnerships.
B2B & B2G Expo + Conference
Friday, September 16, 2022
The Expo attracts high-net-worth
attendees, potential investors actively seeking
opportunities, C-Suite executives, and government
officials who can discuss the latest policy and
opportunities.
This event will feature Product and services Exhibitions
to relevant audiences, and various sessions will deliver
business and market intelligence, insight,
opportunities, and the latest trade policies to enhance
your global business expansion.
Highlights
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Simultaneously taking place with the 77th UN General
Assembly
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Sessions by relevant Govt & Industry Experts
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B2B Matchmaking with a potential investor,
Franchisor, or Partner
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Access to Relevant Vendors in the Exhibitor Hall for
resources, tools, products, & services
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A Fun, High-Energy & Collaborative Environment
Who Will You Meet at USAfrica Business
Expo?
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An average
of 100+ Delegates and Stakeholders from Africa and
the US will attend.
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Organizations in the U.S. seeking increased
visibility & market share in Africa
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Businesses and Organizations in Africa seeking to
introduce exportable products into the U.S. market.
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Govt Agencies, Investors, and CEOs are looking for
new markets and partnership opportunities.
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Africans in the Diaspora with $1.7 trillion in
spending power eager to Invest in Africa
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Potential investors and stakeholders are actively
seeking opportunities in Africa.
Why You Should Participate
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Expand your
business into international markets, and discover
trade and business opportunities.
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Meet prospective partners who are actively looking
for your services and make global connections to
generate international exposure for your brand.
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Exhibiting will place your company in front of
potential buyers & decision-makers
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Hear from subject matter experts and govt agencies
who will deliver market intelligence, provide
insights, and discuss the latest trade policies and
opportunities through a panel discussion, case
studies, and breakout sessions
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Access to personalized B2B matchmaking and
consultation with potential partners and relevant
agencies.
For in-person participation,
registration, exhibition, and sponsorship,
please visit
http://www.USAfricaBusinessExpo.com/
or contact (917) 826 3566
or email -
partner@usafricahub.com
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https://africarise2020.com/
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