African and American business minds to converge at Liberty University for ‘Equity for Africa’ summit

Major government, business, and faith leaders from over 10 countries across the African continent, including prime ministers and ambassadors, will congregate with American business leaders on Liberty University’s campus April 13-15 to share visions of transforming the world through Judeo-Christian business values.

The action summit, titled Equity for Africa, is a three-day global business and faith forum sponsored by the Liberty University School of Business and the Standing for Freedom Center. 

[Go to the event website to watch the live stream and view panel participants.]

“As one of the largest Christian universities in the world, we are connecting African heads of state and officials with American business leaders,” said Dr. Dave Brat, dean of the School of Business and a former U.S. congressman. “African leaders will pitch opportunities in the major sectors these leaders have shared in advance. A host of international connectors from the World Bank to former White House policy liaisons, USAID, U.S. congressmen, the Heritage Foundation and United Nations Africa representatives will all be available in person and virtually to connect all parties with capital markets.”

Over 75 guests will take part in speaker panels throughout Wednesday and Thursday. World leaders will share proposals for entrepreneurship and current opportunities for business expansion, including redirecting global supply chains and capital flows to Africa. Discussions will range from human rights and business to global technology innovation, goodwill diplomacy, and the role of faith in global politics and policy.

“U.S. business leaders have all agreed to lend not only their sector expertise but to help connect African leaders with business executives across their vast networks,” Brat added. “The goal of the summit is to create enduring economic growth, enhancing human welfare, within the context of shared faith with friends who hold the same business principles and values.”

Guests from the U.S. include former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo; Congressman Ted Yoho, author of the Build Act, a $70 billion development fund; and Dr. Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr. Other American business professionals slated to make appearances are President of Hobby Lobby and Chairman of the Board of Museum of the Bible Steve and Jackie Green, former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, and international banker Erik Bethel.

African participants will include Nigerian billionaire Folorunso Alakija, President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo, and Vice President of Liberia Jewel Howard-Taylor. Former President of Malawi, Joyce Banda, the first female president in Africa, will also make a virtual appearance.