New York, USA – On December 9th, investors, diaspora leaders, technology innovators, diplomats, policymakers, and development partners convened at the US–Africa Business Connect – New York Edition held at The Explorers Club in New York City, to advance sustainable and innovation-driven collaboration between the United States and Africa.
The New York Edition was anchored in the Roosevelt Africa Trail, a cross-continental initiative inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt’s historic 1909–1910 East Africa Expedition. His journey significantly shaped global understanding of Africa’s biodiversity and conservation heritage, with plant and animal specimens collected during the expedition still preserved at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. These collections continue to provide critical scientific insights into endangered ecosystems today.
As part of a broader cross-continental engagement series, the event brought together leaders from the United States, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Egypt, alongside academic institutions and U.S. technology firms. Discussions focused on leveraging heritage, innovation, and investment to strengthen economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the United States.
A major highlight was the introduction of the Roosevelt Africa Virtual Trail, which will use XR and AI immersive technologies to deliver curated expedition experiences to audiences across the United States beginning in 2026. The initiative combines a Smart Trail and a physical heritage route, applying a story-to-impact model that links education, conservation, tourism, commerce, and diplomacy. These efforts also contribute to momentum toward the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential
The New York engagements yielded tangible outcomes in trade, conservation, and cultural diplomacy. Margaret Nyamuwombo, CEO of Kahawa 1893, announced a strategic partnership to launch Roosevelt Africa Safari Coffee, leveraging Trail-based storytelling to expand Ugandan coffee exports. With Kahawa 1893 products already in over 1,500 U.S. retail stores, the collaboration has the potential to unlock up to 450,000 tonnes of Ugandan coffee annually, with proceeds supporting rhino conservation initiatives.
Further strengthening conservation efforts, a joint Roosevelt–Rhino Campaign was launched by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Roosevelt Africa Trail, and the Theodore Roosevelt Association to symbolically link U.S. conservation leadership with Uganda’s rewilding efforts. Cultural exchange was further enhanced through the introduction of Roosevelt Encounters Africa, a documentary series emphasizing storytelling as a driver of cross-continental understanding.
Overall, the New York Edition accelerated meaningful U.S.–Africa collaboration, positioning heritage and innovation as powerful tools for shared prosperity and sustainable development.
The panelist line up for the US-Africa Busines Connect session (Courtesy Photos)
