MAURITIUS – The 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit, one of the continent’s leading trade and investment gatherings, has been postponed due to concerns related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of Central Africa.
The decision was announced jointly by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), the summit organizer, and the Government of Mauritius, which was scheduled to host the event from July 26 to 29, 2026.
According to CCA, the postponement was made following consultations with health authorities and in line with guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Mauritius Ministry of Health.
In a statement, the organization emphasized that the health and safety of delegates, heads of state, government officials, business leaders, investors, partners and media representatives remained the highest priority.
“This is a postponement, not a cancellation,” CCA said, reaffirming its commitment to hosting the summit at a later date and delivering the business and investment outcomes expected from the event.
The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is regarded as one of the most important platforms for promoting trade, investment and commercial partnerships between African countries and the United States. The event typically attracts African heads of state, senior government officials, development finance institutions, multinational corporations and investors from across the globe.
Mauritius had been preparing to host the gathering as part of its broader efforts to position itself as a strategic gateway for investment into Africa and to strengthen economic ties with international partners.
CCA President and Chief Executive Officer Florie Liser had previously met with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam to discuss the country’s role as host of the 2026 summit and opportunities to showcase Mauritius as a business and financial hub.
The postponed event would have marked the 18th edition of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit since its inception in 1997. Over the years, the forum has played a significant role in facilitating trade agreements, investment partnerships and policy dialogue between African and American business leaders.
While a new date has not yet been announced, organizers said preparations remain underway and stakeholders will be informed once revised arrangements have been finalized.
The postponement comes at a time when African countries are actively seeking to attract greater foreign direct investment, strengthen regional value chains and deepen commercial engagement with global markets.
Industry observers expect strong participation when the summit is eventually rescheduled, given growing interest in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, digital technology and logistics across the continent.