Top officials from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) will join U.S. tech leader Cybastion and a consortium of U.S. tech companies at a press conference on September 22 to showcase bilateral cooperation and formally announce the first-ever EXIM approval of a $100 million financing guarantee for a national data middle and digitalization project in Côte d’Ivoire.
The EXIM Board of Directors approved more than $100 million in financing guarantees in August to support two major digital transformation projects: a $66 million guarantee on August 21 to support the construction of a national data middle, and a $47 million guarantee on August 14 to export U.S. technology to digitalize the Ministry of Finance and Industry.
As the lead exporter, Cybastion, in collaboration with prospective U.S. technology partners, including Cisco, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Schneider Electric, among tech leaders, will modernize government services through digitalization and build resilient digital infrastructure to advance the country’s digital sovereignty.
High-level U.S. government officials will showcase U.S.–Côte d’Ivoire cooperation and bilateral ties and highlight how EXIM’s financial backing for digital infrastructure projects on the continent aims to bolster U.S. competitiveness in strategic markets.
The Head of Delegation from the Government of Côte d’Ivoire is also expected to attend the press conference to offer remarks.
The deal is supported through EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) and will open new investment opportunities for U.S. companies in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure market.
WHO:
● Head of Delegation from the Government of Cote d’Ivoire (TBC)
● Jim Burrows, Acting First Vice President & Vice Chairman, Export-Import Bank of the United States
● Dr. Thierry Wandji, Cybastion CEO
● Fran Katsoudas, Cisco, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer
● Will Stevens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs. (invited)
WHEN: Monday, September 22, 2025 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
WHERE: Marriott Marquis Time Square, 1535 Broadway | New York City
Jacques Pauw (South Africa)
Most Impactful Work: The President’s Keepers: Those Keeping Zuma in Power and out of Prison (book) and his work for Vrye Weekblad and Special Assignment (SABC).
Short Bio: A veteran South African investigative journalist, Pauw has a long history of exposing government corruption and atrocities, particularly during and after the apartheid era. His book, “The President’s Keepers,” caused a national sensation by detailing allegations of corruption and state capture under former President Jacob Zuma.
Read More at the Source
saint la-z-boy
The child who claims to know as many proverbs as his father should be allowed to pay taxes
mr. wholesome
What do you call an Afrikaans guy that squeezes chickens?
Hendrik.