The benefits of a deeper, closer relationship between Africa and other parts of the world have become clear in recent years, and last week’s US-Africa Leaders Summit was an acknowledgment of that fact.
After attending the Summit, as one of a handful of African business leaders selected to contribute to the official programme – I left convinced that the United States now sees the compelling opportunities opening up here in Africa, and that new, more equal and reciprocal business relationship are being established
During the White House Dinner hosted by President Obama at the end of the Summit, I scanned the room and saw my business peers from across the continent and the leaders of nearly every nation of Africa sitting and chatting with their American business and government counterparts, all while President Obama moved to Lionel Richie’s music. As I looked on, I couldn’t help but think of the strides being made in that room.
Over the course of the five days that I was in DC, in official events, side programs, networking exchanges, and bilateral discussions, it became clear that real, relationships were being built in each of these exchanges and the results thereof would be felt for a long time coming, through partnerships that could help shape the future of Africa.
While I believe the Summit was an overall success, its success will ultimately be assessed on the basis of the resulting growth in the months and years to come; but there is reason to be optimistic. The conversations there were focused on bringing innovation and business partnerships designed to be consistent with the principles of Africapitalism, which calls for long term investments that will lead to job creation and local value addition, to drive the continent’s inclusive and sustainable development.
The question now becomes: How do we get to the next level of investment and trade? What are our shared obligations after leaving Washington?
We as Africans have much to do in creating a more conducive business environment and addressing issues that have become the basis of the American, and really, the global perception of our continent.
But it is up to the United States and the collective African nations to build upon what was started at the Summit.
Ultimately, upcoming global events like the UN General Assembly and the Clinton Global Initiative in September and next year’s World Economic Forum will provide an opportunity to continue the conversation and more importantly, to provide a chance to publicly account for progress made. It is a conversation and a journey I am honoured to be a part of.
Tony O. Elumelu id the Chairman of Heirs Holdings.