Mauritian companies encouraged to seize international opportunities.
African Heads of State, ministers, US investors and global business leaders to gather in Mauritius from 6 to 9 December, offering local companies a rare opportunity to forge partnerships, explore new markets and attract investment.
OpenAI and Visa executives confirmed for U.S.-Africa Business Summit as Mauritian businesses urged to seize international opportunities
Senior executives from global technology company OpenAI and international payments leader Visa are among the latest confirmed participants at the 18th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which will bring together African Heads of State, ministers, international investors, and U.S. and African business leaders in Mauritius from 6 to 9 December 2026.
For Mauritian businesses, the Summit represents an exceptional opportunity to connect directly with international decision makers, explore new markets, attract investment and establish partnerships that could open doors well beyond Mauritius.
Emmanuel Lubanzadio, Africa Lead at OpenAI, and Godfrey Sullivan, Senior Vice President and Head of Products and Solutions for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Visa, will be among the senior corporate executives attending the Summit.
Their participation highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and financial technology in shaping business opportunities between the United States and Africa.
Organised by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with the Government of Mauritius, the Summit will take place at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre under the theme “Advancing New Frontiers in U.S. Africa Prosperity.”
Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, said:
“We are delighted to bring the U.S.-Africa Business Summit to Mauritius and provide a platform for Mauritian businesses to engage directly with some of the most influential investors, corporate executives and government leaders from the United States and across Africa. “This Summit is about turning connections into tangible business opportunities, opening doors to new markets, and building partnerships that strengthen trade, investment and economic opportunities across Africa and the United States.” We strongly encourage Mauritian businesses, including SMEs and entrepreneurs, to take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase their capabilities, explore new commercial relationships and position themselves for growth in an increasingly interconnected global economy.”
A major opportunity for Mauritian businesses
For four days, Mauritius will become a meeting point for international investors, corporate executives, government leaders and businesses seeking opportunities across Africa and the United States.
For local companies, this means the possibility of meeting potential investors, identifying new clients and suppliers, exploring joint ventures, developing international partnerships and gaining access to markets that would otherwise require considerable time and resources to reach.
Whether a business is looking to expand into Africa, attract foreign investment, introduce new technologies or develop international commercial relationships, the Summit provides a platform to initiate those conversations.
The opportunities extend across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, ICT, manufacturing, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, agribusiness and the blue economy.
Importantly, participation is not limited to large corporations. Mauritian SMEs, entrepreneurs and growing businesses with regional or international ambitions also stand to benefit from the contacts, market intelligence and potential partnerships that such a gathering can generate.
Through business discussions, sector sessions and networking opportunities, participants will be able to engage with companies and decision makers involved in investment and commercial development across the continent.
A Summit with a track record of business results
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is an established platform for advancing trade and investment between the United States and African economies.
Its previous edition, held in Angola, in June 2025, attracted more than 2,800 participants, including 12 African Heads of State and Government, 41 ministers and hundreds of government and business representatives.
According to CCA, the Summit generated more than US$4 billion in announced business deals and investment commitments across sectors including energy, infrastructure, digital transformation, healthcare, agribusiness and tourism.
While these results are specific to the Angola edition, they illustrate the scale of commercial activity and investment discussions that the Summit can facilitate.
For Mauritius, hosting the event offers an opportunity not only to showcase the country’s economic capabilities, but also to strengthen its position as an international financial and business centre connecting Africa with global markets.
Turning international connections into business opportunities
Beyond the formal discussions, much of the value of the Summit lies in the relationships established between participants.
For Mauritian businesses, direct engagement with international companies, investors and decision makers could lead to new commercial partnerships, access to expertise, technology cooperation and future investment opportunities.
The presence of companies such as OpenAI and Visa also reflects the breadth of industries represented at the Summit and the increasing role of innovation and digital technologies in Africa’s economic development.
With the event taking place in Mauritius, local businesses have the advantage of being able to participate in an international business gathering without the costs and logistics associated with travelling overseas.
The Summit is therefore an opportunity for Mauritian companies to look beyond their traditional markets, build new relationships and position themselves for future growth.
Mauritian businesses encouraged to register
With just over a month to go before the Summit, Mauritian businesses of all sizes are encouraged to explore the programme and register to participate.
The four day event will take place from 6 to 9 December 2026 at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre, Mauritius
