The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is a historic event for all Americans, but especially for the 45 million black Americans who all are direct or indirect descendants from Africa.

The summit is the meeting held this week between 49 African leaders and President Obama in the nation’s capital.

First, this meeting could help improve the public perception of Africa.

As importantly, this summit could create new business opportunities in the once ignored continent. 

There were multibillion dollar investment deals on the table for consideration and opportunities to work on sustainable business ventures, joint economic development projects, and increased trade with those nations

It would have been impressive if each of the historically black colleges and universities had been involved. Alas, that did not happen.

Still, as the White House noted, the summit stands as the largest event any U.S. president has held with African heads of state and government at one time.

It builds on the president’s trip to Africa in 2013 and should strengthen U.S. ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions — a surprise to those who mostly know Africa from scenes of family, violence and war.

President Obama wants the message of this summit to be that African nations no longer are considered a “world apart,” but are to be considered business and trade partners deserving of respect.

Of course, the real test will be what happens after each African leader returns home. What will be the follow-up? Will people in Africa benefit from the summit?

Obama officials like Ben Rhodes, the deputy national security adviser for strategic communications, believe both America and Africa will benefit.

He called the summit “a clear signal that we are elevating our engagement with Africa as the nations there continue to advance their own economic development.”

The United States has been involved in Africa for years with development programs on food, power and health.

As Mr. Rhodes put it, the goal has been to provide a hand up not handouts. “For example, through our Power Africa initiative,” he said, “we are bringing electricity to the continent in a way that will foster development and integration with the global economy. And through our food security initiative, we are building the capacity of the agricultural sector to feed populations and foster economic growth.”

We’ll see what happens next.  One thing, however, is certain: The potential today for more economic opportunity and progress in Africa is tremendous. 

Black Americans in particular should independently find out what African nations need and establish mutually beneficial relationships. Some have already done that, but it’s time for us to get more involved.

The writer is interim president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.