WASHINGTON D.C - President Paul Kagame yesterday addressed a full house at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which was held at The Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The summit attended by more than 1,500 business leaders, was organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).
In her introduction, Erin Burnett of CNBC News, talked of Rwanda’s remarkable progress, and President Kagame as an inspiration to many, including those in the USA.

Kagame spoke on Regional Integration as a major tool for expanding economic opportunity across Africa.

He highlighted efforts that had turned around Rwanda’s performance in establishing a business environment comparable to the most improved in the world.

On the urgent priorities for Africa’s economic integration, Kagame singled out infrastructure’s critical role, noting that Africa’s effective integration in the global market place is dependent on the information and communication infrastructure, and offered Rwanda’s commitment to public and private partnerships.

The CCA was established in 1993 with membership from American businesses operating or looking to operate in Africa. This 7th Biennial Business Summit attracted businesses from various industries in North America and Africa, with diverse business interests.

President Kagame once again reiterated that Africa is open for businesses, both for investment as well as for trade. He welcomed them to visit the East African Community, and Rwanda in particular.

Also present at the Presidential Roundtable Plenary of the summit, were John Atta Milles, President of Ghana, Sassou Nguesso of Congo Brazaville,. Fradique Melo de Menezes, of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe,   the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping, and Brian Herlihy, CEO, SEACOM.

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