Beyond Potential: Inside the Africa Business Investment Summit in Washington

On August 27 and 28, 2026, I had the honor of attending the Africa Business Investment Summit (ABIS) at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. It was a tremendous gathering that brought together African leaders, companies, investors and international decision-makers to discuss investment, economic development and business cooperation across the African continent.

Convened by the Millennium Excellence Foundation under the patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, King of the Asante Kingdom, ABIS was created to connect global investors with transformative opportunities across Africa. Approximately $4 billion in investment opportunities were presented during the program, reflecting the scale of the continent’s ambitions and the growing interest in creating stronger connections between African businesses and international capital.

His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

One of the most memorable moments was hearing His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II address the gathering. His message made a compelling case for why businesses should look more closely at Africa; not simply as a continent of future potential, but as a place for investment, partnership and enterprise today. He also drew particular attention to opportunities in Ghana and the importance of building relationships capable of producing sustainable economic growth.

His Excellency Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, also addressed the summit. His remarks focused on Ghana’s investment opportunities and the country’s efforts to create a more attractive environment for international business. Together, these conversations offered an important perspective: attracting investment is not simply about presenting opportunities. It also requires leadership, confidence, reforms and lasting relationships between governments, businesses and investors.

Another meaningful dimension of the summit was its celebration of the power of Queens and global leadership. The presence of Her Excellency Dr. Kelley Page-Jibrell brought particular attention to the leadership, wisdom and influence that women and Queens can bring to international affairs, economic development and society.

Her Excellency Dr. Kelley Page-Jibrell and Dr. Bruno Mazali

Dr. Page-Jibrell’s career itself crosses many of the worlds represented at ABIS. A global independent strategist and advisor, she works with leaders navigating the intersection of the public, private, academic and nonprofit sectors, providing expertise in strategy, collaboration, decision-making and implementation. Before becoming an independent advisor, she spent nearly a decade as a senior management consultant at IBM. Her work has since encompassed organizational transformation, leadership, communications and complex international initiatives, including support related to Côte d’Ivoire’s billion-dollar cashew industry.

Her presence underscored an important message that extended beyond investment: economic transformation also depends on the quality and diversity of leadership behind it. Bringing traditional leadership, diplomacy, business expertise and contemporary global strategy into the same conversation demonstrates how many different forms of influence can contribute to Africa’s future.

For me, attending ABIS was also an opportunity to see a different narrative about Africa taking shape. The discussions were not centered simply on what Africa needs, but increasingly on what Africa has to offer; business opportunities, entrepreneurship, resources, innovation, talent and partnerships capable of generating mutual economic value.

That may ultimately be one of the most important lessons of the Africa Business Investment Summit. Africa’s potential has been discussed for decades. The more consequential question now is how that potential can become investment, successful businesses, employment and sustainable prosperity.

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I was honored to witness these conversations firsthand as FQM’s Washington, D.C. Correspondent and to see African leadership, diplomacy and global business come together at MGM National Harbor. The summit was not simply about attracting capital. It was about creating relationships; and demonstrating that the future of investment in Africa will be shaped by those willing to build those relationships together.

Sources:

1. Africa Business Investment Summit (ABIS) — Official website and 2026 summit program.

2. African Business — ABIS 2026 investment and post-summit coverage.

3. Millennium Excellence Foundation — Summit leadership and investment objectives.

4. Africa Newsroom / APO Group — ABIS opening and Asantehene keynote coverage.