Africa Pops — Investors & Buyers Day

June 17, 2026

Virgin Hotels NYC

Beyond the Hype : From Pride to Power

West Africa Pops Up Resources, New Growth Drivers and Shifting Mindsets

10:00 – 10:25

Welcome & opening networking

Welcome Coffee; Power Opening — From Match Day Energy to Business Momentum

Strategic networking opening connecting sports visibility with business opportunities.

10:25 – 10:40

Official Opening

Beyond the Hype: From Pride to Power

Why West Africa Pops Now: a timely alignment of investment, policy and leadership that strengthens Africa's global voice.

10:25 – 10:40

PANEL 1 — Executive Leadership Session

Investing in West Africa's Gateways: Trust, Rules, Incentives

Examining the policies and incentives that make Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal strategic countries for investors.

10:40 – 11:40

PANEL 2 — Buyers & Export Readiness

West Africa Delivers: High-Value Exports, Buyer Trust & Transatlantic Trade

Connecting brands from Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire and Benin with buyers, distributors and export markets.

12:40 – 13:30

Business Networking & Exhibition Experience

Taste, Design & Creative — Exhibition Walk

Immersive business & cultural exhibition showcasing brands, products and creative industries.

13:30 – 14:30

PANEL 3: Global Capital Roundtable

What Global Capital Needs Before Saying YES!

Direct conversations with international investors on investment readiness and capital expectations.

14:30 – 15:30

PANEL 4: Finance & Investment Structuring

How to Move Money into West Africa — Diaspora, Private Capital & Structured Vehicles

Exploring concrete investment vehicles, diaspora capital and structured finance solutions.

15:30 – 15:55

Deal Flow & Networking Break

Capital Meets Projects — Ready-to-Fund Opportunities

Curated project discovery and investor matchmaking around actionable opportunities.

15:55 – 16:55

Sector Sprint

Where Should Capital Go First?

A rapid-fire investor session spotlighting high-potential sectors across: Agro-industry & local transformation • Fintech & financial inclusion • AI, data & digital services • Real assets, logistics & tourism • Blue economy & green economy • Oil & Gas

16:55 – 17:20

Soft Power Session

Soft Power to Revenue — Sport, Culture, Fashion, Food & Creative Capital

Exploring how culture, sport and creativity become economic growth drivers. Use Cases: JOJ Dakar 2026, Vodun Days Benin.

17:20 – 17:30

Closing Ceremony

From New York to West Africa — Ready to GO!

Closing remarks and next steps connecting New York momentum to West Africa 2026/2027 opportunities.

Tickets — Investors & Buyers Day

Meet Our Key Speakers

Eva Sow Ebion

Co-Founder Innovation for Policy Foundation · Co-Founder Consortium Jeunesse Senegal · Policy Programs & Campaigns Manager Meta

Franck B. Boucher

CEO – T.A.G SARL & AFRICPLATFORM · Director of Partnerships & International Relations, Patronat U.N.P.E.S · Professor in Higher Education

Sidiki Camara

CEO & Architect – XALIMART Group

Aziz Ndiaye

Founder & CEO – Anep Company

Idrissa Diallo

General Manager – CIRKEM

DR. Alizé Utteryn

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, AlizéLaVie Group · Founder & Chief Executive Officer, AlizéGreenInfra LLC USA · Global Affairs, Kaveti International Law Firm · Co-Chair (USA), Golden Chariot Global Award Organizing Committee · Accredited Journalist at the United Nations · Vice President of Media & Public Affairs, United African Congress (UAC)

Jacques Epangue

Manager – Business France North America · International Trade & Agri Food Expert

Abdoulaye NDIAYE

Professor of Economics, New York University, Stern School of Business

Alassane Diop

VP Expert in Charge of Relations with Africa Americans & Diaspora

Elhadj Mamadou Camara

Founder – Afric D'clic · Vice-President – IOM Africa · Executive Committee Member & Treasurer – American Chamber of Commerce in Senegal

Dior Fall

President & Founder – 1000 Shades of Women Foundation International · Goodwill Ambassador, International Human Rights Commission · Global Peace Ambassador

M. Ibrahima Nour Eddine DIAGNE

Chief Executive Officer – Gaïndé 2000

Joséphine Garrick

CEO & Founder – Josephine Garrick Ltd, TargetPoint, We Export & TRIPNBUSINESS

Would you like to join the strategic voices of the platform and speak as a guest?

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Unlock Strategic Opportunities

Explore strategic partnership, investment and sponsorship opportunities through Africa Pops NYC 2026.

Ready-to-fund projects