Matt Rees’s leadership unlocked more than $170 billion in trade and investment for Africa, making him one of the most influential figures in connecting U.S. capital to African markets. A former USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, he has led both democratic and republican White House initiatives that transformed energy access, trade integration, and private sector partnerships across the continent.

As an architect and a leader of Prosper Africa and Power Africa, Matt spearheaded efforts that mobilized $120 billion in trade and investment deals and $54 billion in private capital for energy projects, expanding access to power for more than 7 million households across 26 countries. His work established market frameworks that continue to attract global investors, corporate partners, and development banks into high-growth African sectors.

Matt’s leadership of USAID’s Africa Bureau placed him at the center of $13 billion in annual U.S. programs across 49 countries. He has consistently leveraged this platform to open doors for U.S. companies, align capital flows with local opportunities, and accelerate investment ecosystems. His relationships with African heads of state, regional economic communities, trade ministries, and global financial institutions give him unparalleled reach in shaping deals and unlocking new markets.

From negotiating the world’s largest debt-for-nature swap for river conservation and water access to driving agricultural finance and MSME growth, Matt has demonstrated a unique ability to blend capital, policy, and partnerships to deliver results for both investors and communities. His networks extend across U.S. government agencies, multilateral development banks, African governments, and the private sector – the very relationships that create deal pipelines and reduce transaction risks for investors.

Matt holds an MA in International Relations (Development Economics) from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Colorado, with executive training in finance at Harvard Kennedy School. His career distinctions include achieving the rank of Minister Counselor in the Senior Foreign Service and USAID’s Distinguished Honor Award.

Today, as an advisor to Anchorage Africa, Matt brings deep sector expertise, unparalleled networks, and a proven record of mobilizing capital, helping position the firm as a trusted partner for investors seeking high-yield opportunities in Africa.

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