#USA #Washington, D.C. #Powering Africa #Export-Import Bank #John Jovanovic

John Jovanovic at Powering Africa Summit 2026

The 11th Powering Africa Summit (PAS) is set to take place in Washington, D.C. on March 19-20, 2026. This gathering of influential leaders will prominently feature John Jovanovic, the Chairman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM). His presence underscores the significance of export credit in fostering strong U.S.-Africa energy partnerships.

This year’s summit theme, Powering the US-Africa Partnership: Energy Infrastructure, Critical Minerals Investment Strategies, distinctly emphasizes the role of investment-led commercial diplomacy. As countries worldwide compete for capital, the ability of U.S. financing institutions to provide guarantees, credit facilities, and risk mitigation tools becomes crucial in determining which energy projects progress.

The 2026 Powering Africa Summit will highlight major areas such as large-scale energy generation, transmission, and the complexities of LNG infrastructure. U.S. financing bodies are pivotal in enhancing the pace of these projects, contributing to a robust bilateral trade relationship between the U.S. and African nations.

Strategic Engagement

The event reflects deep engagement from various U.S. government agencies, including top officials from the Department of State, Department of Energy, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Notable participants accompanying Jovanovic will include:

• - Nicholas Checker, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• - Thomas Hardy, Deputy Director COO, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
• - Nancy Rivera, Managing Director, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
• - Shiyana Gunasekara, Deputy Director for African Middle Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy

Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, commented on the critical role of export credit in transforming strategic discussions into actionable projects. He noted that as African nations prioritize industrialization and energy security, the Powering Africa Summit serves as a pivotal platform where financing tools and policy guidance converge.

Sponsors and Partnerships

The summit will also be supported by key sponsors including Sun Africa as the primary sponsor and Petrodex as the lead sponsor. Additional supporters such as Genesis Energy and Endeavor Energy will also play significant roles in facilitating discussions and partnerships.

This event not only marks a critical convergence of financing and policy dialogue but also emphasizes an execution-focused strategy aimed at mobilizing large-scale capital. The participation of high-level officials highlights the heightened interest and commitment of the U.S. in Africa's energy future.

As we approach the summit date, further information regarding press attendance and partner registrations will be communicated. This summit exemplifies the growing collaboration in the energy sector between the United States and Africa, aiming to harness mutual strengths toward sustainable energy solutions.

Conclusion

With the Powering Africa Summit 2026 on the horizon, Jovanovic's role as a prominent figure in U.S. export financing will undoubtedly steer crucial conversations and initiatives that will shape the future of energy partnerships across the continent.

For ongoing updates and partnership opportunities, stakeholders are encouraged to register and stay engaged with the summit’s developments.