LGLE 2026: Louisiana Positions Itself as Gateway for US-Africa Trade at Inaugural Event
By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
PARIS – Louisiana is paving the way for stronger trade and investment ties between the United States and Africa, with the launch of the Louisiana Global Leadership Exchange (LGLE), a new international initiative designed to transform the state’s deep cultural connections with Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America into concrete opportunities for trade, investment, education, and economic development.
The inaugural LGLE event, held from 23 – 25 October, 2026, in Paris, brings together Louisiana elected officials, companies, businesses and industry leaders, universities, economic development organizations, diplomats, and government representatives for a focused program built around direct connections and potential partnerships.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Lady Fontenette Brown highlighted the deep cultural ties between Louisiana and Africa. She emphasized that the essence of this Exchange is rooted in culture, connection, and commerce, which positions Louisiana as a potential cultural capital in America.
“Geographically, Africa and Louisiana may seem far apart, but history, heritage, and shared experiences tell us a different story. We do not have to invent a relationship with Africa; we inherited one. Our opportunity is to build on that cultural inheritance through trade, investment, education, tourism, innovation, and lasting partnership.”
The Honorable Helena Moreno, Mayor of New Orleans, joined the Louisiana Global Leadership Exchange in Paris, and they celebrated the city’s recognition as the 2026 LGLE Louisiana City of Cultural Distinction.
New Orleans Mayor, represented by Dr. Jenny Mains, Special Advisor to the Mayor for International Partnerships and Strategic Economic Development, said, “Our connection to Africa is part of our history, and there’s so much more we can build together through business, education, cultural exchange, and opportunities for our young people. New Orleans is open for business.”
In his keynote address, Congressman Troy Carter, US House of Representatives, Louisiana, said the LGLE aims to shape the future of business between Louisiana and Africa in major industries: energy, education, tourism, and the technology sector.
He noted that Louisiana manages almost a quarter of the nation’s water and energy trades and oversees significant exports of energy and LNG.
In addition, he said the state’s agricultural exports, such as cocoa, cashews, and coffee, present a fantastic opportunity for candy manufacturers, specialty grocery stores, and local entrepreneurs in Louisiana to establish thriving businesses.
“We have a unique opportunity to expand and enhance the bridges between Louisiana, Africa, and the world in its energy, maritime infrastructure, agriculture, and trade.
“This exchange showcases what Louisiana, Africa, and the African diaspora share, ensuring we create new opportunities and build better economies, advance energy, and agriculture.”
Louisiana has secured $260 billion in capital investment in the past two years. This historic economic surge represents a turnaround for the state, transitioning its traditional industrial strengths into high-tech, aerospace, and advanced energy sectors.
“We’re not going to pull that off alone. We’re going to need people, resources, expanding energy, manufacturing, technology, and other industries,” Jeremy P. Stine, Louisiana State Senator and Honourable Chief Francophonie Ambassador, said during his remarks.
Senator Stine stated that Louisiana’s resources, the Mississippi River, and its ports connect the United States to the world, which represents an opportunity for Louisiana, companies, and partners.
On energy, Senator Stine added that Louisiana exports two-thirds of US LNG, positioning the United States as number one globally, surpassing Qatar and Australia.
Furthermore, Patrick Riley, Director of Governmental Affairs and Assistant General Counsel at Louisiana Chemistry Association, said Louisiana offers many opportunities across the energy value chain.
“Louisiana has a large industrial base including upstream, midstream, downstream and a vibrant chemical industry.
“We have a massive shipping hub and access to deepwater ports. There are opportunities to partner with Africa in the energy, oil and gas sector,” he added.
Harrison Crabtree, Executive Director, World Trade Center New Orleans, highlighted the competitive advantages that make Louisiana a leading entry point for global commerce in the United States.
Crabtree said Louisiana holds the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere, providing access to 31 U.S. states through the Mississippi River. It has direct connections to all six Class railroads in the nation.
Crabtree also highlighted Louisiana Global Connect, established in strategic partnership with Louisiana Economic Development. The initiative is the state’s unified vehicle for proactive, focused international business recruitment. It takes a coordinated, whole-government approach, using international representatives in key markets and trade initiatives like today’s event to give foreign investors a true concierge service.
“Louisiana is open, organized, and committed to being a business hub,” Crabtree stated.
He pointed to opportunities in critical minerals, agro-exports and maritime trade, with Louisiana well positioned to anchor this transatlantic trade as North America’s premier logistics hub.
“By connecting African markets directly with our people, our ports and industrial strength, we can build a forward-looking trade network that benefits businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” Crabtree said. “Together, let us continue to grow our economies and share in economic prosperity.”
The LGLE also hosted a panel session, with a diverse group of institutional investors, private equity representatives, and U.S. government representatives.
The session highlighted Louisiana’s economic growth, which reached a historic milestone, as its GDP hit a record $354.0 billion. This growth places the state’s economic output around the $350 billion threshold, driven by a surge in investments and strong performance in vital industries.
Louisiana accounts for approximately $650 million annually in exports to Africa through agricultural exporters such as USA Rice and various energy companies.
Speaking at the panel session, Tamara Maxwell, Acting Senior Vice President, United States EXIM Bank, outlined how the agency helps U.S. companies, including small businesses, export to Africa, including providing funding for foreign buyers.
She explained that EXIM Bank is a federal agency in the U.S. that helps finance the sale of American goods and services abroad, benefiting both U.S. exporters and the foreign buyers who purchase from them.
She mentioned that U.S. companies with a contract or purchase order can access funding to either manufacture or buy the goods they’re selling.
Additionally, she pointed out that foreign buyers, including those in Africa, can secure funding for equipment and machinery made in the United States, with transactions facilitated through lenders on the continent and in the U.S.
The 2026 inaugural exchange marks the beginning of a longer-term initiative. The goal is to bring the Exchange home to Louisiana in 2027 and develop it into a recurring Louisiana-led international exchange.
