The Future of U.S.–Africa Minerals Diplomacy

Join the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program for a flagship event, The Future of US-Africa Minerals Diplomacy on September 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET. The event will convene senior U.S. and African government officials, industry leaders, investors, and development finance experts for a high-level forum on the future of U.S.–Africa minerals and energy cooperation. The program will focus on how public and private capital can unlock projects across Africa’s minerals value chain, how governments can de-risk strategic investments, and how new partnerships can move from policy commitments to executed transactions.

The event will feature keynote firesides with Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and John Jovanavic, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, alongside discussions with Bill Oplinger, Chief Executive Officer of Alcoa, the Honorable Bouna Sylla, Minister of Mines and Geology for the Republic of Guinea, and Ambassador John Giordano, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia, amongst others.

Together, the discussions will consider what a more ambitious, commercially focused U.S.–Africa economic partnership could look like and what it will take to deliver tangible investments on the ground. The event will also examine how stronger coordination among governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector can help move strategic projects from early-stage opportunities to bankable investments and long-term economic partnerships.

This event is made possible through generous support from the Hewlett Foundation. 

Event agenda is subject to change.