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Communications Department

E-mail: advisory@adomigroup.com

Phone:  +1(202) 539-4700

Washington, DC – The Adomi Advisory Group PLLC, is delighted to announce that Partner of the Global Public Policy Practice, Johanna Leblanc, has had the honor of being invited by the AfCFTA Secretariat to serve as a speaker at the Intra-African Trade Fair held in Cairo, Egypt. The Adomi Advisory Group extends congratulations to Secretary General Wamkele Mene, Afreximbank, and the African Union for orchestrating a spectacular trade fair. Special thanks are extended to the government of Egypt for its gracious hosting.

The Intra-African Trade Fair, a collaborative effort between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), aimed to foster increased trade and investment across the African continent and beyond. The event showcased an array of sessions, including a pivotal discussion on Investment in Africa under the AfCFTA, curated by Emily Mburi and moderated by Patience Okala who are senior staffers at the Secretariat, headquartered in Accra, Ghana. Notable participants included Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank, who delivered the keynote speech and Secretary General Wamkele Mene, delivered remarks.

Johanna contributed to the discourse by focusing on the Investment Protocol recently adopted by African heads of state. The session, moderated by Simon Madjie, Executive Secretary at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, emphasized the critical role of investment financing in implementing the AfCFTA protocol for sustainable development in Africa. Discussions also delved into the barriers affecting intra-African trade, with insights from fellow panelists, including R. Yofi Grant, Chief Executive Officer at Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

In addition to various other sessions, Johanna had the privilege of attending the presidential summit, where the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi addressed attendees.

The Intra-African Trade Fair, culminating in a seven-day immersive experience inspired and re-energized our firm about investment opportunities across the African continent. Special thanks are extended to the government of Egypt for its gracious hosting. Looking ahead, Adomi Advisory Group PLLC expresses anticipation for the next edition of the trade fare, scheduled to take place in Algeria in 2025. The event promises to be another milestone in advancing continental trade and collaboration.

Partner of the Global Public Policy Practice, Johanna Leblanc,  released the following statement:

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the AfCFTA Secretariat, particularly under the exemplary leadership of Secretary General Wamkele Mene, for its outstanding hosting. The Secretariat’s implementation of protocols aimed at investor protection is particularly noteworthy, providing a crucial foundation for our advisory services. As we advise our clients, ensuring the safeguarding of their investments is of utmost importance, and we commend the Secretariat for the African Union heads of state’s adoption of Protocols on Investments.

The AfCFTA’s revolutionary efforts in harmonizing the trade of goods and services across the African continent are truly commendable. This groundbreaking initiative not only holds the potential to uplift millions of Africans out of poverty but also signifies a steadfast commitment to positive economic transformation. Recognizing the private sector as the backbone of economies across Africa, our finance team is dedicated to collaborating with investors. We strive to facilitate the securing of grants and debt financing for projects throughout Africa, leveraging partnerships with various financial institutions, including Afreximbank.”

About Ms. Leblanc:

Ms. Leblanc is a trained lawyer who specializes in national security law and foreign affairs. She has advised ambassadors, foreign ministers, members of Congress, local governments, and NGOs on matters ranging from bilateral and trade relations to military assistance and sanctions. Ms. Leblanc previously served as a Legislative Director at the United States Congress, where she advised on domestic and international related matters and oversaw legislative matters and appropriations. She served as the liaison to the White House, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Veterans, and other financial institutions. She was also responsible for advancing U.S. foreign policy and economic security/trade diplomacy. Ms. Leblanc currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Howard University. She Leblanc holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) from Indiana University- Robert H. McKinney School of Law, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law from The George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. She was named 40 under 40: Nation’s Top Advocates by the National Bar Association (2021), and one of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in Government and Politics, Under 40, Global 100 Award (2020) during the U.N. General Assembly.

Email: jleblanc@adomigroup.com

Direct: +1(317) 665-7246

Office: +1(202) 539-4700