WASHINGTON – Ugandan business expert Dennis Matanda has been appointed Staff Director of the United States House Subcommittee on Africa. Matanda was appointed by the Committee Chairperson, Representative Karen Bass of California.
“I look forward to working with Dennis to reset the U.S. alliance with the continent of Africa,” said Rep. Karen Bass.
In addition to helping tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, I look forward to his counsel in expanding trade and investment, tackling climate change, and supporting young people through cultural exchange and increased access to technology, thus instilling an image of partnership rather than one of reliance.”
“Congresswoman Bass has inspired countless trade, investment, or economic development experts to re-imagine the symbiotic relationship between the United States and Africa’s 55 sovereign nations,” said Dennis Matanda. “
As one of the many, I am quite privileged to be in this role–working with Rep. Bass to legislatively ensure that the seismic shifts on both sides of the Atlantic lead to tangible and equitable benefits for America and Africa.”
Prior to joining the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Mr. Matanda served as Lead Consultant and Communication Specialist at the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB).
Matanda has supported African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations, helped in the design of AfCFTA national strategies, and engaged stakeholders on behalf of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
He was also instrumental in the two-year campaign to ensure the enactment of an enhanced African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). More recently, he focused on facilitating equity investment into African financial institutions. Originally from Uganda, Dennis has worked in more than 28 African countries.
He has post-graduate qualifications in International Business and American Politics from Northcentral University and Northeastern University, respectively, and his doctoral interests are in corporate governance, risk mitigation, and reciprocal agreements on trade and investment.
He has degrees in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Makerere University, Kampala, and lives with his wife Rachel and twin daughters Harper and Olivia.
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