


ABOUT THE 2020 VIRTUAL DITDE EVENT
Building the Economic Bridge Between the United States and Africa
The 2020 U.S. Diaspora Investment and Trade Deal Event (DITDE) aims to spark engagement and create business opportunities between the African Diaspora and Africa, through trade and investment.
Engage with, learn from, and connect with businesses and government officials from all over the Diaspora through a week of virtual events:
• Learn how to do business in Africa
• Connect on a one-of-a-kind virtual platform
• Grow your business and expand into Africa
The 2020 DITDE will also present opportunities to engage with national initiatives of African countries and gain an understanding of African trade agreements and programs. Through curated deal rooms, businesses will have bilateral meetings to explore trade opportunities and network. Exhibitors will also showcase their products and services in virtual booths lending additional opportunity for connectivity.
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2020 SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS
David J. Byrd,
MBDA National Director
J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
Dr. Wilmot Allen,
CEO, VentureLift Africa
Freddie Figgers,
CEO, Figgers Communications
Jidenna,
Recording Artist and Entrepreneur
Simone Williams, Chairwoman of International Law Section, National Bar Association; Founder/Managing Attorney of Williams Global Law
Pauline Fischer,
CEO, PMF Media Group
Milan Selassie
CEO, Intelligent Media Productions
Ronald Parker, CEO, National Association of Security Professionals (NASP)
Greg Bush,
CEO, KFA Inc
Dr. Eric Rutto, Vice President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Eddie Mandhry, Director for Africa and the Middle East, Yale University
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, Africa Energy Chamber
Tamarind Murrieta,
Senior Commercial Officer, US Dept of Commerce (Mozambique)
Kwasi Donkor, Chief Strategy Officer, U.S. African Development Foundation
Tracy Gray,
Founder & Managing Partner, The 22 Fund
Tesi Rusagara, MD,
Kigali Innovation City
David Hall,
Partner, Revolution
Claude Tellis,
CEO, Naturade
Bimal Kantaria,
Chairman, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET)
Lynsey Farrell,
Director of Africa,
Wharton Business School – Lauder
Peter Tega Oghenejobo, COO, Mavin Records
Vincent Ogutu,
Vice-Chancellor Designate, Strathmore University
Maxwell Okello,
American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya
Dr. Eric Ruto, Vice President, Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nicole Woods,
Client Care Manager,
U.S. EXIM Bank
William Fanjoy,
Managing Director for Domestic Commercial Engagement ,Prosper Africa Executive Secretariat
Karen Dunn Kelley,
Deputy Secretary,
US Department of Commerce
Gregory Michel,
Head Of Procurement, NBA
Farad Ali,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Asociar, LLC
Nicole Poindexter, Founder and CEO, Energicity
Oluwafemi Adefeso,
Sports Media personality, Sports Development and Youth Empowerment advocate and Social Entrepreneur
Terry Tatum,
Sr. Business Consultant, Chicago MBDA Export Center
Stephen Ross,
Founder,
The Black Racers Academy
Hillary Andoh,
Founder and CEO, HSA PR
Troy White,
Digital Self and Kifaru Studios
AGENDA
Day 1 | Monday, September 21st
*Event times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
**Subject to change
10:00AM – 10:10AM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Mr. David Byrd, National Director, U.S. Department of commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
10:15AM - 10:30AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Mr. Greg Kalbaugh, Deputy Under Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Commerce
US Prosper Africa and Power Africa initiatives
10:35AM – 10:50AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. Kyle McCarter (TBD), U.S. Ambassador – Kenya
National and State Investment and Trade Opportunities; US-Kenya Free Trade Agreement
10:55AM -11:10AM
PRESENTATION
Dr. Wilmot Allen, CEO, VentureLift Africa; Dr. Eric Rutto, Vice President, Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Diaspora Dividend
11:15AM - 11:30AM
PRESENTATION
Ms. Nicole Woods, Client Care Manager, U.S. EXIM Bank
11:35AM - 11:50AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. William Fanjoy, Managing Director for Domestic Commercial Engagement ,Prosper Africa Executive Secretariat; Mr. Bailey Rowell, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service- Chicago, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA)
12PM – 12:45PM
ENTERTAINMENT SYMPOSIUM
This panel will present the work of talented creatives and media executives in film, television and digital media. Presenters will also discuss best practices, financing strategies, emerging trends and opportunities for collaboration on new projects between US and Africa creatives.
Speakers
Ms. Laila Macharia, Chairwoman, Africa Digital Media Group, Moderator; Ms. Pauline Fischer, CEO, PMF Media Group; Mr. Narendra Reddy, EVP, The Africa Channel; Mr. Milan Selassie, CEO, Intelligent Media Productions; Mr. Timothy Owase, CEO, Kenya Film Commission
12PM – 12:45PM
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION SYMPOSIUM
This panel provides an overview of infrastructure investment opportunities and challenges in Africa, the funding mechanisms and partners. Presenters will discuss best practices for project development and pathways for greater US-Africa collaboration.
Speakers
Mr. Ronald Parker, CEO, National Association of Security Professionals (NASP), Moderator; Mr. Uche Orji, CEO and MD, NSIA; Mr. Alex Canfor-Dumas, Head of West Africa, BlackIvy Group; Mr. Opuiyo Oforiokuma, Senior Director of Strategy and Investor Relations, Africa50; Fundo Soberana de Angola (FSDEA)
12PM – 12:45PM
AGRICULTURE SYMPOSIUM
The panel discusses innovations in agri-entrepreneurship, and creating US-Africa distribution centers for agricultural trade. Policies, investment capital and tech-transfer that can support broader US-Africa engagement will be examined.
Speakers
Dr. Eric Rutto, VP, KNCCI, Moderator; Ms. Vanessa Adams, Vice President, AGRA; Ms. Katherine Kigaraba, MD, Tanzania Traders and Merchants; Mr. Claude Tellis, CEO, Naturade.; Dr. Bimal Kantaria, Chairman, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET); Mr. Chris Isaacs, CEO, Bella Canna
12PM – 12:45PM
EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM
The panel will explore the pathways for partnership for US and African educational institutions on research, tech transfer, innovation and representation through faculty exchanges. Panelists will present an overview of their international strategies for greater collaboration between the US and Africa.
Speakers
Mr. Eddie Mandhry, Director for Africa and Middle East, Yale University, Moderator; Dr. Lynsey Farrell, Director of Africa, Wharton Business School – Lauder; Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice-Chancellor Designate, Strathmore University; Mr. Kwabena Boateng, Chair, HBCU, Africa Homecoming
12:50PM – 1:00PM
INTRODUCTION
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
1:00PM – 1:10PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
Day 2 | Tuesday, September 22nd
*Event times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
**Subject to change
10:00AM – 10:10AM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Mr. Maxwell Okello, American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya
10:15AM – 10:30AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Kenya President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (TBD)
National Priorities and Key Investment and Trade Opportunities
10:35AM – 10:50AM
PRESENTATION
Dr. Wilfred Marubi, CEO, Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency
10:55AM – 11:10AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. Sid Chatterjee, UN Resident Coordinator; Bernard Chiira, Chairman, ASSEK
11:15AM – 11:45AM
FIRESIDE CHAT
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC), Moderator; Shay Gillespie, Regional Manager of Business Development, Worldwide Technology; Peter Njojo, CEO and Co-Founder Twiga Foods
11:50AM – 12:00PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
12PM – 12:45PM
HEALTHCARE SYMPOSIUM
The panel will focus on partnership opportunities the importance of strengthening Africa’s healthcare systems and with the Africa Public Health Foundation for its COVID-19 response and beyond. Panelists will explain the healthcare-related products and services they have for trade with Africa countries and investing in healthcare and supply chains.
Speakers:
Dr. Bernard Haifuku, Founder, Africa Public Health Foundation, Moderator; Mr. Kaakpema Yelpaala, CEO and Founder, access.mobile Intl; Mr. Don Williams, CEO, Princeton Healthcare Inc; Dr. Stephen Samuels, CEO, Metavisions; Mr. Quinton Zunga, CEO, RH Bophelo
12PM – 12:45PM
REAL ESTATE SYMPOSIUM
The panel highlights the real estate investments of panelists, contracting opportunities and the impact of COVID-19 on real estate, housing development and hospitality. The outlook on new partnerships for real estate development and social impact will be discussed.
Speakers:
Mr. Andy Ingraham, Founder and CEO, NABHOOD, Moderator; Mr. Chris Osore, Director, DLR Group Africa/TA Plus D54; Mr. Carlos Bonner, Vice President of Development, Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners; Mr. Kofi Anku, CEO, Mercury Estates; Mr. Preston Mendenhall, EVP, Rendeavour; Mr. Curtis Thompson, President, National Association of Minority Contractors Chicago (NAMCC)
12PM – 12:45PM
MANUFACTURING SYMPOSIUM
The panel will explore the opportunities, challenges and progress towards creating greater value-added manufacturing in Africa and among minorities in the US, including heavy and precious metals, food, apparel, automobile, healthcare and more. Panelists will highlight their initiatives and opportunities for partnership through trade.
Speakers:
Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Moderator; Mr. Chid Liberty, CEO, Liberty & Justice; Mr. Edward Hightower, Managing Director, Motoring Ventures LLC; Mr. Ikenna Nzewi, CEO and Co-Founder, Releaf; Ms. Ciara May, Founder and CEO, Rebundle
12PM – 12:45PM
ENERGY SYMPOSIUM
The panel will provide an overview of the energy sector in Africa and lessons from the evolution of the broad-based energy sector in the US. Panelists will share the work of their companies and pathways for increasing energy self-sufficiency through policy, investment and tech transfer and service trade.
Speakers:
Mr. Greg Marchand, Partner, Avencion, Moderator; Ms. Salma Okonkwo, Founder, Blue Power Energy; Ms. Tamarind Murietta, Senior Commercial Officer, US Dept of Commerce (Mozambique); Mr. Michael Sudarkasa, CEO, Africa Business Group; Ms. Nicole Poindexter, Founder and CEO, Energicity
12:50PM – 1:00PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
Day 3 | Wednesday, September 23rd
*Event times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
**Subject to change
10:00AM – 10:10AM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Dr. Edem Adzogenu, Chairman, AfroChampions Initiative
10:15AM -10:30AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Ghana President H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo
10:35AM – 10:50AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, Africa Energy Chamber
10:55AM – 11:10AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. Kwasi Donkor, Chief Strategy Officer, U.S. African Development Foundation
11:15AM – 11:30AM
PRESENTATION
Mr. Eric Osiakwan, CEO, Chanzo Capital; Dr. Wilmot Allen, Founder, VentureLift Africa
11:35AM – 11:50AM
PRESENTATION
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, CEO, African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI)
11:50AM – 12:00PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
12PM – 12:45PM
FINANCE SYMPOSIUM
The panel will present the investment strategies of diverse managers representing asset owners, investment associations, and fund managers. Investment opportunities in the US and Africa, capital markets development in Africa and financing mechanisms to support exports of MBEs will also be discussed.
Speakers:
Mr. Bob Green, CEO, NAIC, Moderator; Ms. Angela Miller-May, CIO, Chicago Teachers Pension Fund; Ms. Tracy Gray, Managing Partner and Founder, The 22 Fund; Mr. George Odo, Senior Partner, AfricInvest; Mr. Hosea Kili, Group MD, CPK Financial Services (Pension Fund Administrator)
12PM – 12:45PM
TECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM
The panel will highlight the tech innovation and ecosystem players, challenges and collaboration opportunities in both Africa and minority communities in the US. The panelists will present their expertise on scaling innovation, gender inclusion, and other insights.
Speakers:
Ms. Aniko Szigetvari, Founding Partner, Atlantica Ventures, Moderator; Ms. Tesi Rusagara, MD, Kigali Innovation City; Mr. David Hall, Partner, Revolution; Mr. Greg Bush, CEO, KFA Inc.; Mary Spio, CEO and Founder, CEEK VR
12PM – 12:45PM
SERVICE TRADE SYMPOSIUM
The panel will highlight the underserved opportunity for service trade partnership between the US and Africa, including those in tech, financial services, education, telecommunications, call centers, and more. The capacity-building, investment, policy framework, infrastructure need to support service trade will also be presented.
Speakers:
Mr. Terik Tidwell, Executive Director, Smith-Tech Innovation Center, Johnson C Smith University, Moderator; Dr. Karl Reid, ED, National Society of Black Engineers, Mr. Sam Gikandi, CEO, Africa’s Talking Group; Mr. Freddie Figgers, CEO, Figgers Communication; Ms. Simone Williams, Chairwoman, International Law Section, National Bar Association
12PM – 12:45PM
PHILANTHROPY SYMPOSIUM
The panel will provide an overview of the significant charitable endeavors of the panelists’ institutions and the opportunities for collaboration, information sharing and support. Potential interventions related to education, corporate board exchanges, COVID-19 response, and empowerment of girls will be explored.
Speakers:
Ms. Christal Jackson, CEO, Mosaic, Moderator; Mr. Kojo Annan, Kofi Annan Foundation; Graca Machel Trust; Ms. Sue Toigo, Co-Founder, Robert Toigo Foundation; Mr. Arif Neky, Senior Advisor-Coordinator, UN SDG Partnership Platform
12:50PM – 1:00PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
Day 4 | Thursday, September 24th
*Event times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
**Subject to change
10:00AM – 10:10AM
WELCOME ADDRESS
Mr. Terry Tatum, Sr. Business Consultant, Chicago MBDA Export Center
10:15AM – 10:30AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Ms. Shay Gillespie, Regional Manager of Business Development, Worldwide Technology
10:35AM – 11:10AM
PANEL Discussion
Mr. Oluwafemi Adefeso Founder Balls Activating Literacy and Leadership Foundation (Moderator); Mr. Farad Ali President and CEO Asociar, LLC.; Mr. Gregory Michel, Associate Vice President, National Basketball Association (NBA) ; Mr. Stephen Ross, Founder, The Black Racers Academy
11:15AM - 11:30AM
SPORTS PANEL
Fiat Chrysler Automobile Video Montage
11:35AM - 12:10AM
MUSIC PANEL
Moderator: Ms. Hillary Andoh, Founder and CEO, HSA PR; Jidenna, Recording Artist and Entrepreneur; Mr. Troy White, MD, Digitalself and Kifaru Studios; Seyi Shay, Recording Artist and Actress; Mr. Peter Tega Oghenejobo, COO, Mavin Records
12:15AM – 12:30PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. J. Vincent Williams, President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC)
Day 5 | Friday, September 25th
*Event times are Eastern Standard Time (EST)
**Presenters subject to change
SCHEDULE TBD
MATCHMAKING/SPEED NETWORKING SESSIONS
The Deal Room sessions will open with a presentation from a U.S. and/or an African company about a business opportunity seeking partners. Each Deal Room will host one-on-one pre-screened matchmaking sessions organized by industry to align MBEs with global contracting, trade, supply chain, tech transfer and investment opportunities.
Private Meetings can be scheduled with MBDA Export Center staff and VentureLift Africa to assist MBEs with identifying next steps for opportunities they have engaged during the event.
SPONSORS AND PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
