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International students from Africa encouraged by impact of Liberty’s Equity for Africa summit

School of Business Dean Dr. Dave Brat with Governor of South Sudan Denay Chagor during a panel at the Equity for Africa summit (Photo by Ellie Richardson)

For business finance and economics junior Youssef Wahba, who was born and raised in Egypt, the Liberty University School of Business’ Equity for Africa summit provided viewers and participants with a different perspective of Africa — one of economic opportunity, not charity.

“As a student, I’m blown away. I will not be looking at Africa the same way walking away from this event, and that’s coming from an African,” he said. “… For too long, Americans have been treating Africa as a charity. There are a lot of areas in Africa that should be treated as a charity, but there are also parts of Africa that are ready to be treated as partners. It was both convicting and encouraging to be surrounded by people who saw it fit to treat Africa as such.”

Day two of the Equity for Africa summit, powered by Liberty’s Standing for Freedom Center, covered an array of economic, business, and policy topics. Vice President of Liberia H.E. Jewel Howard-Taylor, Governor of South Sudan Denay Chagor, Vice President of Nigeria H.E. Yemi Osinbajo, and President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo made appearances, either virtually or in person, to speak with U.S. business leaders about investment opportunities within their countries.

“I felt honored to sit in the same room as some of these leaders,” Wahba said. “This is a phenomenal event, and I’m lucky to be a part of it. And I’d love to see where it goes from here.”

Over 75 guests are participating in the faith-based summit, which ends Thursday. Panel discussions have ranged from human rights and business to global technology innovation, goodwill diplomacy, and the role of faith in global politics and policy. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered the keynote address Tuesday evening to kick off the three-day forum. [Go to the event website to watch the live stream and past sessions.]

International student Elizabeth Ayowole (third from left) stands with Nigerian entrepreneurs in the oil and gas and textile industries.

Public policy graduate student Elizabeth Ayowole, born and raised in Nigeria, said the number of participants speaks volumes to the type of business networking environment Liberty University is capable of.

“Liberty brings in top people from the private and public sector, and I think that’s an excellent opportunity for Liberty,” said Ayowole, whose long-term goal is to contribute to the private sector in developing countries, being involved with education and policies that affect communities. “For a school to bring in very high government officials from Africa, it gives Liberty a very good perspective.”

“I’ll definitely try to keep up with any progress that comes out of this event,” Wahba added. “I’d love to see this event move from theory to practice and to watch African countries walk away from here with signed and confirmed deals to better their countries.”

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