10th Annual AGOA CSO Network Spring Conference
April 23, 2025  ·  2020 Rayburn House Office Building (RHOB)

We invite you to attend our 10th Annual AGOA CSO Network Spring Conference on April 23, 2025, at the 2020 Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and online. We look forward to your participation in our advocacy efforts and highly value your insightful contributions.

This year’s theme, Strengthening U.S. - Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Under the Trump Administration, is particularly relevant given President Trump’s America First Policy and recent announcements regarding tariffs on imports, including those from African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) - eligible countries.

The conference will bring civil society organizations, private companies, government institutions, and other stakeholders from the U.S. and Africa to discuss key trade policies. Your involvement in these discussions is crucial, as we aim to devise recommendations and actions that align with the administration’s America First Policy and strengthen U.S.-Africa trade and economic cooperation beyond the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

This event presents a unique and valuable opportunity to engage with trade and foreign policy experts and contribute to discussions shaping the future of U.S.-Africa trade and economic relations. Join us as we work towards a prosperous future through enhanced collaboration and partnership.  

Agenda
Wednesday, April 23
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Fred Oladeinde, Chairman, AGOA CSO Network Organization
10:15 AM - 11:00 PM
10:15 AM - 11:00 PM
Robert A. Destro, Professor of Law, The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law and Former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State
11:10 AM - 12:15 PM
11:10 AM - 12:15 PM
Joshua “Josh” Snead, Staff Director, Trade Subcommittee & Chief Trade Counsel, Committee on Ways and Means Alexandra Whittaker, Staff Director, Trade Subcommittee & Chief Trade Counsel, Committee on Ways and Means
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, African Union Ambassador to the United States Ambassador John Kayode Shinkaiye, Chairman of JKS and Associates Ltd. and former Chief of Staff to two African Union Commission Chairpersons
1:10 PM - 3:10 PM
1:10 PM - 3:10 PM
The Role of Civil Society in Strengthening U.S.-Africa Trade and Foreign Relations Under the Trump Administration
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Summary of Key Takeaways, and Announcements of Upcoming Events
Speakers
Professor of Law at The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law and former Assistant Secretary of State
Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States of America
African Union Mission in the USA
Chairman, JKS & Associates Ltd., and Retired Nigerian Diplomat
Chairman, AGOA CSO Network and President, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa
Staff Director, Trade Subcommittee and Chief Trade Counsel, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives (D)
Staff Director, Trade Subcommittee and Chief Trade Counsel, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives (R)
Director of Academic Programs, Africa Trade Development Center (ATDC)
President of Middle University Lualaba, Democratic Republic of Congo
Strategist for Pan African and Orthodox Faith Engagement, Bread for the World and AGOA CSO Advisory Board Member
President, Emings Ag. and AGOA CSO Network Secretariat Advisory Board

No records found.

LOCATION
2020 Rayburn House Office Building (RHOB), 45 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20515
Map
Location: 2020 Rayburn House Office Building (RHOB), 45 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20515