On the sidelines of the historic U.S.-Kenya State Visit, Equity Group hosted a roundtable discussion in the U.S. Senate. This event brought together high-ranking congressional leaders, government officials, and leaders from the U.S. and Kenyan private sectors to propose strategies for informing U.S.-Africa trade legislation and advancing public-private partnerships that achieve shared policy goals and prosperity for both countries.
- Equity Group, in collaboration with its U.S. partners, will capture insights from the Capitol Hill roundtable in a report to help inform U.S.-Africa trade legislation.
- During the roundtable, speakers exchanged insights on approaches to increasing greater trade and investment and access to financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We believe a transformed Africa leads to a more balanced world, and Kenya is the gateway to the continent,” said Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group MD and CEO. “That is why we are here today – to be in partnership with you.”
Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks that highlighted the significance of the U.S.-Kenya State Visit and the Capitol Hill roundtable. “A strong private sector is vital to sustained economic growth, job creation, and resilience.” said Senator Cardin.
Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairwoman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), introduced a high-level roundtable featuring remarks from U.S. government officials and representatives from the U.S. and Kenyan private sector and a robust discussion to help inform U.S.-Africa trade policy and expand public-private partnerships. Chair Lewis emphasized her support for future partnership between EXIM Bank and Equity Group, along with U.S. exporters.
The government panel featured Chidi Blyden, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC); Dan Swift, Deputy Coordinator of Prosper Africa; Danica R. Starks, Senior U.S. Commercial Liaison and Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank/MDB Lead at the U.S. Department of Commerce; and Jane Rhee, Chief of Staff with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The private sector panel included Philana Mugyenyi, Director of Government Affairs and Market Access, Sub-Saharan Africa for GE Healthcare; Carole Kariuki, CEO of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA); and Deean Fontaine, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Regulatory, Africa at American Tower.
Carole Kariuki, CEO of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), spoke about how the business network works to improve Kenya’s regulatory and business environment to make the country an attractive investment destination.
“We are the bridge between the private sector and government,” said Kariuki. “We advocate for you to government about what are best practice policies, the right laws, and the right structures for ease of doing business. We listen to you, our investors.”
Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), who participated in the state visit meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto along with Senator Cardin, called for a narrative change on Africa. “Too many people frame Africa in the absolutely wrong light. But the future of humanity is in Africa,” said Senator Booker. “It is a continent of endless possibilities, vast resources, and is holding solutions to all of humanity’s problems.” The senator recently visited Kenya, where he witnessed firsthand the country’s “extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit”.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-California), the most senior African American woman in Congress and chair of the powerful Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding all U.S. international programs, emphasized the importance of achieving tangible outcomes from the three-day U.S.-Kenya State Visit. She highlighted the historical significance of the meeting, noting that it is the first time the U.S. has engaged in talks with an African Head of State since 2008. “We haven’t paid the type of attention that we need to pay to Kenya and the continent. This needs to change and you’re helping to make that change,” said the congresswoman during the Capitol Hill roundtable.
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida), who sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, announced a new resolution recognizing the importance of President Ruto’s State Visit in strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and Kenya.
The roundtable was organized and hosted by Equity Group Holdings, and produced by Catalyst Global Strategies, in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding, American Chamber of Commerce of Kenya (AmCham Kenya), and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
A reception marking the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations followed the roundtable. More than 200 Congressional representatives, US government officials and private sector leaders from the US and Africa attended the roundtable and reception.
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