Thomas Laryea Moderates Blended Finance Session During the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2019

On June 18-21, the Corporate Council on Africa and the Government of Mozambique hosted the 12th annual U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Maputo, Mozambique. The Summit brought together over 1,000 U.S. and African private sector executives, international investors, senior government officials and multilateral stakeholders to promote a strong U.S.-Africa partnership. It also addressed the rapidly evolving models needed for business and investment in Africa's most pressing sectors, which include finance, agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure and ICT.

During the conference, Orrick counsel Thomas Laryea moderated the Blended Finance panel, which discussed the benefits of using blended finance for investments in Africa. Panelists included Erik Bethel, U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank; Alejandro Tawil, CEO of Third Way Africa; Samira Mensah of Standard & Poor; Anne-Marie Chidzero of FSD Africa; Mike Mutiga of Citi; and Ejike Egbabua of Moneda Investments.

"This is the premier conference for doing business in and investing in Africa. Fourteen African Heads of State attended the Summit, with large attendance from the U.S. government, U.S. businesses and private sector from across the African continent," Thomas said, adding, "This was also an excellent opportunity to showcase Orrick's Africa Practice."