This Africa Day, ONE set out to do more than just celebrate. We wanted to spark conversations, shift perspectives, and show the real return on investing in Africa. So we brought the party (and the policy) to Capitol Hill, where energy was high and Africa was front and center.
A Return, Not a Risk
We kicked things off in the House of Representatives with a reception that made one thing clear: Africa is a place where trade and investment can thrive. After opening remarks from ONE’s President and CEO, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, we were joined by:
- Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, State Department, and Related Programs
- Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
- H.E. Amb. of The Republic of Uganda to Washington DC Robie Kakonge
Innovation Takes the Spotlight in the Senate
The next day, we headed over to the Senate to host a lunch exploring that dove into African-led innovation and investment. Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) kicked things off and then ONEour own Director of Government Relations, Rodney Kazibwe, moderated a conversation with:
- Amb. Jendayi Frazer, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
- Harold Tavares, Executive Director, World Bank Group
- Kendra Gaither, Director, US-Africa Business Center
Pictures Worth a Thousand Words
Throughout the week, we showcased a photo exhibit in both the House and Senate. The photos – and the stories that accompany them – demonstrated the clear return of investments in tried-and-tested foreign assistance programs – like PEPFAR, Gavi, the Global Fund, the World Bank – as well as private and philanthropic support.
Meet the Short Story Cube
We also introduced something Capitol Hill had never seen before: The Short Story Cube, essentially a literary ATM that prints stories at the push of a button. Our event attendees could take their pick of genre – health or economic development – and the Cube would print them one of many stories highlighting the value of investment in Africa. Like Otonyo’s story, Tatu’s story, or Francoise’s.
Why It Matters
These stories and photos are powerful reminders that Africa is on the rise and the US must work to deepen ties with African countries and communities. The conversation we started on Capitol Hill last week doesn’t end on Africa Day – it’s just getting started.
