Join the Operation United States Africa organization at the George Washington University on Friday, March 27th at 5pm for an event covering Investment and Entrepreneurship in Africa: The Missing Middle. This event will be taking place in person at the University Student Center room 310, located at 800 21st Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20052. For those interested in attending virtually, the link can be found here. Ethiopian or Zimbabwean food will be served.

Ms. Shannon Stroud, CEO, Invest Africa Ltd
In addition to her leadership with Invest Africa Ltd, Shannon has over 25 years financial services and private capital experience and currently is a Director with Milken Institute’s Center for Global Market Development where she works to inform financial and economic policy across developing and emerging markets. Shannon joined the Milken Institute in 2021 to co-lead the IFC-Milken Institute Capital Markets Training Program, which is building the next generation of financial policy leaders across more than 60 countries. So far, over 220 scholars have attended the program and are now advancing economic growth and business opportunity in their home markets. From Fall 2024 onwards, the program will be hosted at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Washington, DC. In 2022, Shannon helped to develop and launch a sister training program in partnership with World Bank Treasury, hosted at Bayes Business School in London. The program works with public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and central banks around the world to build excellence in public financial asset management and governance. Shannon also leads on external affairs and partnership development around Milken Institute’s Africa Leaders Business Council.

Mr. Curtis Smith, CEO, African Transformation Union
With over 34 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience, he is a dedicated Pan-Africanist committed to elevating Africa’s global presence in tourism, trade, and investment. My passion lies in creating programs and partnerships that connect Africans worldwide, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

As the driving force behind ATU, he leads a coalition of 25 African countries, working directly with embassies, ministers of tourism, trade, and economic development to position Africa as a premier global destination. Through strategic advisory services and high-impact partnerships, ATU promotes sustainable tourism, attracts international investment, and enhances trade opportunities between Africa and the diaspora.
 

Ms. Daniele Nyirandutiye, Partner, Desmos Ventures
Daniele Nyirandutiye is a partner at Washington-based Desmos Capital Partners and founder of Frontiers Growth Partners, advising investors on emerging markets in Africa. She spent two decades in US foreign policy, including as USAID Mission Director in Uganda and Director for African Affairs at the US National Security Council.

 H.E. David Hamadziripi, Ambassador, Republic of Zimbabwe
In May 2018, David Hamadziripi was appointed Zimbabwe's Ambassador to South Africa by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Hamadziripi replaced Isaac Moyo who was appointed Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation in December 2017. He served as the Acting Secretary in the Foreign Affairs ministry. Hamadziripi was Multilateral Affairs Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and once served as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to France before Robert Mugabe replaced him with Rudo Mabel Chitiga in September 2014. David Hamadziripi has served on several intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations and UNESCO.