Cavista Holdings recently hosted the annual U.S.-Africa Leadership Dinner in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The event brought together African and United States business leaders, investors, policymakers, and development finance stakeholders. They discussed ways to turn growing interest in African markets into long-term investments and successful business execution. The dinner focused on investment opportunities and practical challenges across key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and critical minerals.
The event featured high-profile attendees, including former President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi; Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II; Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal; and former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Discussions centered on the partnerships, local expertise, and long-term capital required to translate Africa’s economic opportunities into sustainable investments.
Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, Niyi John Olajide, emphasized that the next phase of U.S.-Africa investment would depend on the strength of partnerships between international investors and African businesses. He highlighted the need for long-term capital and trusted local partners who understand the market, operating environment, and execution realities.
The event featured two discussions examining the U.S.-Africa investment landscape and the conditions needed to move capital into projects and businesses across the continent. The discussions pointed to the difference between identifying an investment opportunity and successfully building a business around it. For investors operating across African markets, that process can involve navigating regulatory systems, establishing relationships with stakeholders and communities, understanding local markets, and managing practical implementation challenges.
John Jovanovic, President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), said successful investment in Africa requires investors to engage with markets early and work with partners who understand local conditions. He emphasized the importance of building the right partnerships, with African partners bringing local knowledge, relationships, and execution capabilities.
Sameh Shenouda, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer at Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), also highlighted the importance of combining investment capital with local market expertise and execution capacity. He noted that Africa is increasingly central to the global economy, but capturing its opportunities requires more than capital – investors need deep local knowledge and the ability to navigate different markets and execute successfully.
Cavista Holdings has businesses spanning agriculture, food processing, financial services, hospitality, and technology, with operations designed around a combination of long-term capital, local talent, governance, and international expertise. The company’s presence in New York during the UN General Assembly and its annual U.S.-Africa Leadership Dinner form part of its broader efforts to strengthen commercial links between African businesses and international partners.
Key points
- The next phase of U.S.-Africa investment will depend on the strength of partnerships between international investors and African businesses.
- Cavista Holdings brings together African and US business leaders to explore investment opportunities and partnerships in Africa.
- Discussions at the U.S.-Africa Leadership Dinner highlighted the importance of combining investment capital with local market expertise and execution capacity.
