Global leaders, business executives, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs and innovators will converge in Charlotte September 8–10 for the Global Africa Summit (GAS) Charlotte 2026, a three-day gathering focused on strengthening trade, investment, innovation and economic collaboration between the United States, Africa and global markets, with a special emphasis on expanding opportunities and partnerships between North Carolina and African markets.
Hosted by the Africa Investment Network (AIN), in partnership with Black Wall Street Charlotte and the GABA Center, during North Carolina’s Africa Diaspora Heritage Month, the Summit will take place at The Westin Charlotte under the theme “Beyond Partnerships: Trade, Investment & Private Capital as Tools of Global Resilience.”
As one of America’s leading banking and business centers, Charlotte provides a dynamic backdrop for a Summit designed to move beyond dialogue—creating connections, opening markets, showcasing innovation and advancing opportunities for collaboration and commerce.
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“Global Africa Summit Charlotte is about creating a bridge between North Carolina and African and global markets that extends well beyond these three days,” said Jane Reindorf-Osei, Founder and CEO of the Africa Investment Network. “We are bringing together leaders across business, government, finance, technology and entrepreneurship not simply to exchange ideas, but to open markets, build relationships, advance trade and investment, showcase innovation and create opportunities that can continue long after the Summit concludes.”
Reindorf-Osei founded the Africa Investment Network to build stronger commercial and institutional connections between Africa, the United States and global markets. Through the Global Africa Summit and AIN’s expanding platforms, she has championed a model of engagement centered on moving beyond traditional dialogue toward practical economic collaboration, enterprise growth and shared opportunity.
Global Leaders Convene in Charlotte
The Summit will feature keynote addresses from British A. Robinson, Chair Africa, Milken Institute International and Dr. Rachel Laryea, Founder, Black Capitalism LLC and Author of Black Capitalist.
A recognized leader in international finance, development finance and U.S.-Africa economic engagement, British A. Robinson brings decades of experience spanning the private sector, government, diplomacy and global development. Prior to joining the Milken Institute, Robinson was appointed by the Biden Administration to lead Prosper Africa, a presidential-level national security initiative focused on strengthening economic ties between the United States and Africa. In that role, she worked closely with the White House and National Security Council and coordinated efforts across 17 U.S. federal agencies to deepen engagement with businesses, investors and government leaders. During her tenure, Prosper Africa helped drive more than $62 billion in trade and investment deals connecting African and U.S. markets.
Today, as Chair, Africa at Milken Institute International, Robinson leads the Institute’s engagement across the continent, working with African leaders, investors and global stakeholders to mobilize capital, strengthen economic partnerships and elevate Africa’s role in the global economy. Her keynote at GAS Charlotte brings a powerful perspective on what it will take to translate U.S.-Africa relationships into greater trade, investment, innovation and shared economic opportunity.
GAS Charlotte will also welcome His Royal Majesty Nii Nortey Owuo IV, Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area in Accra, Ghana, and Bishop Claude Alexander, Senior Pastor of The Park Church, who will deliver special welcome addresses.
His Royal Majesty’s participation represents a particularly meaningful full-circle connection between Ghana and North Carolina. Long before assuming his current role as Paramount Chief, Nii Nortey Owuo IV established deep academic and professional roots in the state. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, later practiced law, and holds membership in the North Carolina and Mecklenburg County Bar Associations.
Bishop Claude Alexander, a nationally respected faith and civic leader and Senior Pastor of The Park Church, will bring a distinctly Charlotte perspective to the Summit, reflecting the important role of community institutions and local leadership in advancing economic opportunity and global engagement.
Other distinguished leaders include Chief Kenny Flowers, Senator Caleb Theodros and Charlotte City Council Member Malcolm Graham, alongside an international roster of executives, government officials, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Trade, Innovation and Business Connections
Across two days of programming at The Westin Charlotte, attendees will participate in engaging panels and strategic discussions spanning U.S.-Africa trade, access to capital, agriculture and food systems, technology and AI, financial inclusion, critical minerals, clean energy and infrastructure, real estate, healthcare and wellness, sports, and entrepreneurship.
A centerpiece of the Summit will be the 6Africa Deal Room, featuring a curated portfolio of more than $150 million in deals and investment opportunities across multiple sectors. Project sponsors will engage with investors, financial institutions and strategic partners through focused sector discussions designed to facilitate connections and help advance viable opportunities beyond the Summit.
The Deal Room includes projects across Africa as well as opportunities in the United States and other global markets that create economic impact and strengthen connections between communities, businesses and markets.
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