The UN has forecasted economic growth in Africa to reach 4 percent in 2026, following 3.5 percent in 2024, and 3.9 percent in 2025. With the extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the continued promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unifying one billion consumers, the business and investment interest in the continent has never been stronger.
In the wake of the 39th African Union Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and Assembly taking place from February 11–15, join the Africa Center, in partnership with the Policy Center for the New South, for a discussion on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 09:30 a.m. ET. Policymakers, business leaders, investors, and civil society will explore how Africa can translate integration—both internally with the AfCFTA, and within global trade dynamics through AGOA—into growth.
This event forms part of the Africa Center’s mission, which seeks to advance policy-relevant dialogue and practical solutions to strengthen Africa’s economic integration and global competitiveness.
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Keynote address
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General,
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
Speakers
Olivier Kamanzi
Co-Founder and Chairman,
Africa Global Chamber of Commerce
Frannie Léautier
Senior Fellow, Africa Center,
Atlantic Council
Daouda Sembene
President and CEO,
AfriCatalyst
Rama Yade
Senior Director, Africa Center;
Senior Fellow, Europe Center,
Atlantic Council
Moderated by
Dana L. Banks
Senior Fellow, Africa Center,
Atlantic Council
Agenda
9:30–9:35 a.m. | Welcome remarks
Featuring
Rama Yade
Senior Director, Africa Center;
Senior Fellow, Europe Center,
Atlantic Council
9:35–9:45 a.m. | Keynote address
Featuring
H.E. Wamkele Mene
Secretary-General,
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat
9:45–10:30 a.m. | Panel discussion
Speakers
Olivier Kamanzi
Co-Founder and Chairman,
Africa Global Chamber of Commerce
Frannie Léautier
Senior Fellow, Africa Center,
Atlantic Council
Daouda Sembene
President and CEO,
AfriCatalyst
Moderated by
Dana L. Banks
Senior Fellow, Africa Center,
Atlantic Council
In partnership with
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The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.
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