WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons, a member of Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, will host the fifth annual Opportunity: Africa conference on Friday, September 16 at the Double Tree Hotel in Wilmington. Registration is free and is now open. To register, guests can visit the website www.coons.senate.gov/opportunityafricaconference.
“A world of economic and social possibilities continues to unfold in the continent of Africa,” Sen. Coons said. “As home to many of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Africa is a continent of enormous opportunity and is quickly becoming central to our economy and national security. This year’s Opportunity: Africa conference will offer Delawareans a chance to hear insights from experts and panelists from across the globe on how Africa is impacting us in the 21st century.”
The annual conference links Delaware businesses, faith communities, and Delawareans interested in Africa with top experts. Through panels, forums, and keynote lectures, Opportunity: Africa provides insights into a diverse array of topics, from trade opportunities to broader issues such as human rights, sustainable development, food security and global health.
Sen. Coons welcomes an outstanding group of panelists who will share their perspectives and their areas of expertise throughout the day. This year’s keynote speaker will be noted philanthropist, entrepreneur and economist, Tony Elumelu.
In 2012, Tony Elumelu was named by Forbes Magazine as one of “Africa’s 20 Most Powerful People” and one of New African Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Africa” in 2011. Elumelu also holds Nigerian National Honors as a Member of the Order of The Federal Republic and as the Commander of the order of Nigeria. He has degrees from Ambrose Alli University, University of Lagos and Harvard Business School. Past keynote speakers include President Bill Clinton; Dr. Raj Shah, Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; Daniel Yohannes, CEO, Millennium Challenge Corporation; Michael Gerson, Columnist, Author, and Senior Advisor to the ONE Campaign; Eric Goolsby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; Ambassador Reuben Brigety Dean, Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and Strive Masiyiwa Founder, CEO Econet.
Opportunity: Africa 2016 begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday, September 16 at Double Tree Hotel in Wilmington located at 700 North King Street. Registration begins at 8 a.m. It is free and open to the public. Breakfast will be provided. To register online, CLICK HERE. If you a non-profit or non-governmental agency who would like to have a display at the conference, please email us at OpportunityAfrica@coons.senate.gov