Mauritius to Host U.S.-Africa Business Summit in 2026
Mauritius will host the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026 from July 26 to 29, 2026. The official dates were announced on Thursday during a joint press conference held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Port Louis, marking a significant milestone in preparing for one of the key events aimed at strengthening trade relations, investments, and economic partnerships between the United States and Africa.
This was highlighted in a statement issued by the CCA on Thursday afternoon.
Organized for the first time in Mauritius, the Summit is expected to attract over 3,000 participants, including government officials from the U.S. and Africa, private sector leaders, investors, and representatives from multilateral organizations. Over the course of four days, the event will feature plenary sessions, high-level dialogues, sectoral sessions, B2B and B2G meetings, and networking activities aimed at catalyzing new partnerships and deepening trade links.
Navin Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, welcomed the announcement:
"Mauritius is honored to host the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026. Our country has always played a role as a bridge between Africa and the world, and this Summit reaffirms our commitment to promoting strategic partnerships that enhance business, investment, and mutually beneficial economic collaboration between the U.S. and African nations. We look forward to welcoming global leaders and showcasing the opportunities that Mauritius and Africa offer."
Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, emphasized the importance of the event:
"Today's announcement marks a significant advancement in our collaboration with the Corporate Council on Africa. The Summit will help strengthen Mauritius's position as a hub for regional and continental integration, trade facilitation, and investment in Africa. We will work closely with the CCA to ensure a successful and impactful Summit, benefiting Mauritius, the region, and our American partners."
Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, expressed her enthusiasm:
"The CCA is excited to partner with the Mauritian government to host the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2026. Mauritius provides a dynamic and business-friendly environment that reflects the future and potential of commercial engagement between the U.S. and Africa. Together, we will bring together high-level public and private sector leaders to encourage constructive dialogue, forge partnerships, and amplify opportunities in trade, investment, and economic development."
About the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)
For over thirty years, the Corporate Council on Africa has been the leading U.S. organization dedicated to strengthening commercial ties and economic interests between the United States and the African continent. The CCA engages in various sectors such as energy, critical minerals, health, agribusiness, infrastructure, finance, and ICT, representing a wide range of U.S. and African companies, from SMEs to multinationals, making it a key player in promoting trade and investment between the two regions.
About the U.S.-Africa Business Summit
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is the premier annual event that brings together private sector decision-makers and African and American government officials to discuss the issues shaping economic relations between the United States and Africa. Since its inaugural edition in 1997, the CCA has hosted over 50 African heads of state and gathers an average of more than 2,500 participants from over 40 countries. The Summit brings together investors, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and public officials to identify solutions, forge partnerships, and develop new business opportunities.
Participants have the opportunity to meet key players from the private sector and government representatives from the U.S. and Africa, explore new investment avenues, find potential partners, and finalize business agreements. The Summit also serves as a vital platform to guide and promote effective policies in trade and investment.
At the 2025 edition held in Luanda, Angola, 12 African heads of state and government participated, including six presidents, three prime ministers, and one vice prime minister. With over 2,800 participants from 85 countries, 230 speakers, 31 national delegations, 41 ministers, and more than 400 African and American officials, the event provided a dynamic setting for high-level dialogue, investor matchmaking, and policy innovation in key sectors for the continent's development.
