African and United States business leaders, investors, policymakers and development finance stakeholders have discussed ways to deepen investment partnerships between Africa and the US at a leadership dinner hosted by Cavista Holdings in New York.

The annual US-Africa Leadership Dinner, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, focused on practical measures to turn investor interest in Africa into sustainable businesses and long-term value.

According to a statement released by Cavista Holdings on Friday, the event brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss investment opportunities and challenges across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and critical minerals.

Among those who attended were former Botswana President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi; Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; and former Ekiti State Governor and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Discussions featured Cavista Holdings Chairman, Niyi John Olajide; US Export-Import Bank President and Chairman, John Jovanovic; and Africa Finance Corporation Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Sameh Shenouda. Tom Sheehy, Principal at Quinella Global and Senior Adviser at KRL International, moderated one of the sessions.

Speaking on the theme, “Catalyzing U.S.-Africa Investment,” Olajide said the next phase of investment would depend not only on available capital but also on partnerships capable of supporting projects on the ground.

He said African businesses could contribute local knowledge, resources, talent and access to growing markets, while US investors could provide capital, technology and expertise.

Jovanovic said investors seeking opportunities in Africa needed to engage early, understand individual markets and establish appropriate partnerships.

He said the US Export-Import Bank was working to facilitate such partnerships, attract more private capital to projects and support American companies seeking opportunities across African markets.

Shenouda also stressed the importance of local expertise in turning investment commitments into successful projects.

He said Africa’s growing role in the global economy meant investors needed more than capital, highlighting the importance of understanding local markets and having the capacity to execute projects effectively.

Cavista Holdings said its experience as an operator informs its approach to connecting international capital and expertise with investment opportunities across Africa.

The group has interests in agriculture, food processing, financial services, hospitality and technology. In Nigeria, Agbeyewa Farms is developing a cassava value chain in Ekiti State, while Matna Foods processes cassava into food-grade starch in Ondo State.

Its other businesses include financial services company PayZeep, which operates in Nigeria and Botswana, and Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, operated by Glocient Hospitality.

Through Cavista Technologies, the group also operates across Nigeria, India, Botswana, the Philippines and the United States.

Cavista said its activities around the UN General Assembly and the annual US-Africa Leadership Dinner form part of broader efforts to strengthen commercial relationships between African businesses and international partners.

The company said its objective was to help bridge the gap between investment interest and execution by developing the relationships, local expertise and operational capacity required to build long-term businesses in Africa.