Officials could not say what sort of deals Obama may sign while in Africa. But Farris says the engines of business are churning on the continent.

“I think there’s a lot of excitement about some of the things that are going on in eastern Africa right now, where a number of the countries there have come together, working on free trade agreements, working on increasing connections between their countries, infrastructure and the like, and all of that is really good for business. At the same time, there’s a real focus on that part of the continent on making a really solid business environment," he said.

Whatever happens during Obama’s visit, one thing is sure: this continent is open for business.