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Launched at the end of 2019, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has an investment cap of $60 billion and has selected Africa as a priority region for future investments. African peer institutions have taken a leading role in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, yet the prospects for immediate recovery and sustained growth rely in part on increased cooperation between US and African development finance institutions and a concomitant boost in two-way trade and investment. This conference is intended to support the DFC’s mission by reaching a wide audience of US investors who are interested in African markets. 

This session invites luminary women from the United States and Africa to highlight the power of investing in African women, spotlighting the DFC’s 2X Women’s Initiative, which has committed to catalyzing $1 billion of investment in Africa’s women. To underscore the importance and impact of 2X Africa, this session explores the most successful approaches and solutions for women in reaching their potential and realizing greater opportunity, economically and as leaders. The panel will discuss how investing in women leads to thriving families, resilient communities, and stronger countries.

Review the other sessions of the Investing in Africa’s Future conference

Featuring a fireside chat with

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Former President of the Republic of Liberia;
Nobel Laureate; Member, Development Advisory Council, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

A panel discussion featuring

The Hon. Lana Marks

U.S. Ambassador to South Africa
U.S. Department of State

Thelma Ekiyor

Managing Partner
SME.NG

Victoria Kiggundu

Managing Director
Akola Uganda

Funke Opeke

Founder & CEO
MainOne

With moderation and remarks from

Charity Wallace

Managing Director, Global Women’s Issues
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation

Welcome and introductions by

Continue to the fifth session of the Investing in Africa’s Future conference

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.