Following the historic signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on December 4, Cybastion’s executive team participated in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center high-level private sector dialogue to advance investment opportunities in the Great Lakes region.
The high-level session, Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity: Regional Economic Integration Framework (REIF) Forum and Private Sector Dialogue, was aimed at building a robust investment environment to drive economic prosperity in the Great Lakes region. REIF is strategic framework for a shared commitment to advancing peace, regional stability, and sustainable economic development in the region.
Panel discussions focused on translating the diplomatic commitments of the REIF into actionable, investment-ready initiatives in key industries, including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, and workforce development.
Moderated by Hon. Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment at the U.S. Department of State, a Fireside Chat with Hon. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda and Hon. Daniel Mukoko Samba, Minister of the Economy. Democratic Republic of the Congo, underscored high-level political commitments to fostering peace and regional economic integration and creating an enabling environment for private investment across industries.
A U.S. investor panel emphasized the need for long-term capital to support private investment and public-private partnerships that advance regional stability and shared prosperity in the Great Lakes region under REIF.
Scott Blacklin, Cybastion’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs delivered the Vote of Thanks, on behalf of the U.S. private sector, at the conclusion of the commercial dialogue.
“Your contributions have advanced a practical blueprint linking stability, transparency, and investment to shared prosperity,” said Blacklin. “We look forward to continued collaboration as we move from commitments to implementation.”
Cybastion was a major sponsor of the Chamber’s private sector dialogue.
Thierry Wandji Ketchiozo Armand Tchokokam Scott Blacklin Nathanaël BRUNEAU Shanta Bryant Gyan Antonio Espirito Santo Sarah Castanou Kendra Gaither Guevera Yao Ellington Arnold Sarah L. Bonner Willow Williamson
