Florie Liser Appointed Chair of EXIM Bank’s 2026–27 Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee

By International Business Correspondent

Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, has been appointed Chair of the 2026–27 Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee by the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM).

The appointment places Liser at the forefront of efforts to strengthen commercial engagement between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa at a pivotal moment for transatlantic trade and investment relations.

Strengthening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties

The Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee plays a key role in advising EXIM on strategies to expand trade financing, mitigate risk, and increase access to capital for transactions involving African markets. The committee’s work supports EXIM’s broader mandate of promoting U.S. exports while fostering sustainable economic growth abroad.

Liser described the appointment as both an honor and a responsibility, noting that U.S.–Africa trade relations are entering a consequential phase marked by renewed policy focus, private-sector interest, and shifting global supply chains.

“This role comes at an important time for U.S.–Africa trade and investment,” she said, emphasizing the need to deepen commercial ties and unlock capital flows that support mutually beneficial growth.

Focus on Access to Capital and Strategic Guidance

As Chair, Liser is expected to work closely with fellow committee members and EXIM leadership to provide practical, market-informed recommendations aimed at expanding financing opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Key priorities are likely to include improving risk-sharing mechanisms, supporting infrastructure and industrial projects, and strengthening partnerships between U.S. exporters and African enterprises.

Industry observers note that access to competitive export credit financing is increasingly critical as African economies pursue industrialization, energy development, digital transformation, and supply-chain diversification.

Leadership at a Pivotal Moment

Under Liser’s leadership at the Corporate Council on Africa, the organization has played a central role in convening U.S. and African business leaders to drive investment partnerships and policy dialogue. Her appointment to the advisory role is seen as reinforcing efforts to align private-sector priorities with U.S. trade finance tools.

As global economic competition intensifies and emerging markets seek diversified partnerships, stakeholders say the committee’s work over the 2026–27 term will be closely watched for its impact on expanding trade corridors and catalyzing sustainable economic growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Liser affirmed her commitment to advancing strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships between the United States and African nations, signaling a proactive approach to strengthening cross-continental commercial engagement in the years ahead.