Gateway to Africa. Exploring Investment Opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Beyond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For immediate release

May 18, 2026

For Media interview contact

Jacques Mushagasha [email protected] mailto:[email protected]

Tel. 540 805 9261

Virginia Africa Partnership Announces “Gateway to Africa,” An International Business Forum Coming to Richmond, Virginia.

Richmond, VA — The Virginia Africa Partnership (VAP) is proud to announce the upcoming international business and investment forum, “Gateway to Africa: Exploring Investment Opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Beyond,” scheduled for October 15–16, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia.

This major networking and economic development event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, policymakers, members of the African diaspora, business leaders, and strategic stakeholders from the United States, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other African nations to explore emerging opportunities across Africa’s rapidly growing markets.

The forum aims to strengthen economic partnerships between Virginia and African nations while creating new opportunities for Virginia's corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, Black entrepreneurs, Women-owned businesses, and African American professionals seeking to engage international markets.

Special attention will be given to sectors including:

* Critical minerals and strategic resources

* Renewable energy and sustainable development

* Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies

* Entrepreneurship and small business development

* Trade and investment

* Technology and innovation

* Financial Technology ( FinTech)

* Infrastructure and energy

* Agriculture and manufacturing

* Women entrepreneurship and leadership

The Democratic Republic of Congo, home to some of the world’s most strategic critical minerals essential to modern technology, Artificial Intelligence systems, battery production, and clean energy industries, is expected to play a central role in discussions surrounding global economic transformation and future investment partnerships.

“Gateway to Africa is not only about investment opportunities in Africa,” said Jacques Mushagasha of the Virginia Africa Partnership. “It is also about creating bridges between Virginia businesses, African American communities, and emerging African markets. We want to encourage Black entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators, and investors to explore global opportunities and become active participants in shaping international economic partnerships.

The event will feature:

* Investment, business panels, and High-level networking sessions

* Government and private sector engagement

* Partnership opportunities

* Women entrepreneurship and international collaboration

* Entrepreneurs and officials presenting investment-ready projects

The Virginia Africa Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering strategic partnerships between Virginia and African nations through entrepreneurship, education, trade, investment, and sister-city relationships, with the goal of expanding economic opportunities, encouraging innovation, and supporting sustainable development and resilient communities.

For sponsorship, partnership, media inquiries, or registration information, please contact:

Virginia Africa Partnership

Website: https://vapartnership.org/gateway-to-africa https://vapartnership.org/gateway-to-africa

Email: [email protected] mailto:[email protected].

Community event in Richmond, Richmond city County, VA 23230.