LYNCHBURG, Virginia – Former U.S. Congressman (R-VA-07) and Dean of the Liberty University School of Business, Dr. David Brat, PhD., welcomed honored guests with a reception and dinner for Equity for Africa, a global business and faith summit.
Dr. Brat thanked guests and attendees, and then began his introduction of former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to an audience that was audibly stunned.
After a warm welcome that included an extended standing ovation, Pompeo began to discuss the importance of prosperity in Africa, and the United States’ role in helping to create the conditions for lasting economic growth across the continent.
“Greater development improves security for all of us. It is a collective set of security issues that are threatening not only Africa, but the northern part of Africa through the Middle East,” Pompeo said in his opening remarks.
“We always knew that if we got it right – if we got the business development right – and do so in an atmosphere that allows all the people of Africa to reap the benefits of that development through greater freedom, the America would be a better place, too,” he said.
Following his brief speech, Pompeo sat down with Dr. Brat for an discussion on the importance of American businesses, the U.S. Government, and faith leaders joining together to partner with African nations and businesses in order to promote economic stability and elevate conditions for the betterment of humanity.
The three-day summit includes American CEOs, business entrepreneurs, faith-based organizations, and African governmental leaders to discuss ways to partner with African businesses and promote economic stability “that leads to enhance human welfare,” Dr. Brat said.
Breakout sessions with panels of financial experts and VIP African leadership, along with a CEO networking room open to all African and U.S. leadership were some of the features of the international event.
Dr. Brat stated, “The basic idea is to connect African business opportunities with CEOs and try to get capital flowing to Africa.”
Notable persons in attendance were Steve Green, CEO and Co-Founder of Hobby Lobby; former NFL star and business entrepreneur Herschel Walker; Denay Chagor, Governor of South Sudan; H.E. Jewel Howard‐Taylor, Vice President of Liberia; Rep. Ted Yoho, U.S. Congressman and Author of the Build Act (2018), a $70 Billion fund to aid African business and development, and representatives from global financial institutions like the World Bank and USAID.
The website describes the summit as an opportunity for African leaders to “pitch opportunities in the major sectors these leaders have shared in advance;” adding:
U.S. business leaders have all agreed to lend not only their sector expertise but to help connect African leaders with business executives across their vast networks. The goal of the summit is to create enduring economic growth, enhancing human welfare, within the context of shared faith with friends who hold the same business principles and values.
Directly in the middle of this event is the Standing for Freedom Center. The Standing for Freedom Center exists to uphold the Christian faith and defend America’s Constitution. They state, “We honor human dignity, individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.”
This summit has allowed the Freedom Center to expand their influence outside the U.S., to reach across the pond and effect American values globally. Secretary Pompeo stated the connection between the American ideals and freedom, faith and economic development in Africa, is how to ‘love your neighbor.’ Dr. Brat, also a fellow of the Freedom Center, stated, “Economic growth is the only thing that leads the masses out of poverty.”
The Equity for Africa Summit at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA summit continues through April 15.
Watch the Brat and Pompeo’s remarks and open discussion here.
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Joshua Pratt is a freelance writer. Joshua lives in Lynchburg, VA; and is a conservative grassroots organizer. Currently, he serves as the Political Director for Virginians for America First. He can be reached at [email protected]
