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.

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Engage with, learn from, and connect with businesses and government officials from all over the Diaspora through a week of virtual events:

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• Learn how to do business in Africa

• Connect on a one-of-a-kind virtual platform

• Grow your business and expand into Africa

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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.

2020 SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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 

Program Book

Click the image below to download the official 2020 DITDE Program Book!