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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – [November 26, 2024]

* Translated from Firjan

The Pan-African Council’s Brazil Chapter presented at the Brazil-Angola Business Connections Forum: Perspectives and Opportunities, held at the Firjan headquarters and brought together businesspeople and public authorities from both countries this November to discuss the expansion of bilateral business. Firjan CIRJ director Mauro Varejão recalled that Brazil already exports plastic, granite and other products to the African country, but that there are many opportunities to increase the flow of bilateral trade.

“We have historical and cultural ties with Angola, especially the language, which facilitates trade negotiations. Brazil was the 15th destination for Angolan exports. We have the potential to expand this flow. I hope the forum inspires many businesses,” highlighted Varejão, who is also President of the Union of Marble, Granite and Related Rock Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Simagran).

The Angolan Consul General in Rio de Janeiro, Mateus de Sá Miranda, also reinforced the idea of ​​the union of the two countries due to historical and cultural ties and recalled that Brazil was the first to recognize Angola’s independence, in 1975. “Angola was an agricultural country, one of the largest producers of coffee and cotton, and became a major exporter of oil. The Angolan government has established priorities to diversify the economy. Take advantage of the opportunity to do business in Angola, which is open to all who wish to invest,” encouraged the Consul General.

Also participating in the opening were the presidents of the Union of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Treatment Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Sindratar), Leonardo Salles; of the Angola-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Tourism, Science, Technology and Culture (CCAB), Nayt Júnior; and of the Pan-African Council in Brazil, Priscilla Cadette.

The president of Sindratar pointed out that this is a crucial moment for sharing resources and culture between Brazil and Angola. “The country is one of Brazil’s largest trading partners in Africa. We want to strengthen relations, build bridges and solidify our partnership, which is already strong, in addition to creating more opportunities in sectors that are little explored but have great potential,” emphasized Leonardo Salles.

In the panel on Energy and Mining, Maria Lima, Executive Administrator of Catoca, the fourth largest open-pit diamond mine in the world, also explained the opportunities in several mining sectors, such as gold, iron, copper, oil and niobium. “Political stability is the biggest advantage of investing in Angola, and we also have tax incentives and tax exemptions for foreign companies in the country,” said the businesswoman.

Constantino Santos, 1st governor of the Province of Zaire and former Administrative Director of the Development Bank of Angola, pointed out possibilities for partnerships in oil and gas exploration, due to Brazil’s great expertise.

For Firjan SENAI SESI, Fernando Montera, manager of Oil and Gas, Energy and Naval Scenarios, presented the dynamic panel prepared by the federation, which shows the forecast of more than US$ 200 billion in projects mapped out by 2030 in this market in Rio de Janeiro.

“Regarding decarbonization, processes for converting biogas plants to biomethane are planned, among others, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Petrobras announced that it will once again invest in ethanol production, which could generate raw material for biomethane,” explained Montera.

In the panel on the agricultural sector, real estate and business investment, Daniel Luzolo, real estate and environmental consultant, explained that the country’s administrative change has created provinces, which generates the need for infrastructure works. “In the real estate sector, there is a lack of financing, but there are some popular projects.”

Finally, Mario Amaral, Executive Administrator of Hemera Partners, listed investment opportunities in agroprocessing, livestock, tourism and transportation. “Angola borders four countries and the investor will be able to reach other markets.”

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Singapore – [November 4-5, 2024]

In strategic partnership with the Alliance For Good, the Pan-African Council was honored to host nearly 20 delegates from diverse parts of Africa to the 2024 Business and Philanthropy Forum in Singapore this November.

Our feature panel entitled “Open for Business: Empowering Impact & the African Investment Story” provided actionable steps on how Asian family offices, impact investors, and philanthropists can effectively partner with the African continent and Africa-based initiatives that drive deeper cooperation and foster meaningful connections that bridge Africa and Asia.

A special thanks to the Ministerial Delegation from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular Her Excellency Ms. Nathalie-Aziza Munana, National Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity for gifting us with her keynote address, as well as the esteemed colleagues who joined us on stage: Yohans Wodaje Emiru – Chief Executive Officer at Delta Instrument Technology and Managing Partner of REY Medical (Ethiopia), Bella Ikeme – Founder, Certified Sustainability and Marketing Consultant (Nigeria), Jean-Marie Kananura – Chief Investment Officer at the Kigali International Financial Centre (Rwanda), and Maruza Chikwanha – Founder and Managing Director of Ivhu (Zimbabwe, Kenya).

If there’s one thing that could be concluded from this high-level engagement, it’s that Africa today arguably provides the best opportunity for return on investment — not just financially, but even more importantly in terms of long-term impact, sustainability, and wider social responsibility for our planet.

Across the areas of logistics, manufacturing, housing, artificial intelligence, STEM, youth development, and climate action, we look forward to announcing some of these fruitful partnerships in the near future.

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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nairobi, Kenya – [August 19, 2024] – The Pan-African Council and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) are thrilled to announce the upcoming East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium, a dynamic platform designed to catalyze investment and economic growth in the region. The event will take place on Friday, September 27th, 2024, at the DTB Centre Conference Hall in Nairobi, Kenya.

Under the theme “Empowering the African Diaspora to Accelerate Trade, Investment, and Economic Growth in East Africa,” the symposium will bring together influential stakeholders from the African diaspora, private sector, and government to explore lucrative investment opportunities across various sectors, including agribusiness, tourism, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and logistics.

Kenya, as a thriving economic hub, serves as an ideal gateway to the East African market. The symposium will provide invaluable insights into the region’s investment landscape, offering attendees the chance to connect with potential partners, access expert advice, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business environment.

“We are excited to partner with Diamond Trust Bank on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Fabien Anthony, Chairman of the Pan-African Council. “The African diaspora possesses immense potential to drive economic development in the region, and this symposium is a crucial step in unlocking that potential.”

Through engaging panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, the event will address critical topics such as market entry strategies, immigration, banking services, regulatory frameworks, financing options, and talent development. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and actionable insights to facilitate their investment endeavors in East Africa. “DTB is committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of the African continent,” said Shelmith Gichuki, Diaspora Banking Relationship Manager at Diamond Trust Bank. “By partnering with the Pan-African Council, we aim to create a conducive environment for diaspora investment and contribute to the economic transformation of East Africa.”

The East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium is open to investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers seeking to explore opportunities in the region.

About Diamond Trust Bank

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) is a leading regional bank, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). As an affiliate of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), DTB has operated in East Africa for over seventy-five years. DTB’s focus has expanded to not only serve SME’s but also the agricultural, education and fintech sectors. The bank is also heavily investing in digital banking infrastructure to enable it strategically to increase its market penetration and offer cutting edge solutions.

About the Pan-African Council

The Pan-African Council (PAC) is the premier global leadership and strategic development organization committed to advancing and uniting Africa and her Diaspora through international cooperation in the political, economic, and social spheres.

Event Registration

To learn more and register for the symposium, please visit www.panafricancouncil.org/nairobi2024

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Media Contact:

Tatiana Mensah
media@panafricancouncil.org

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS  —

The AfriCaribean Diaspora Alliance has partnered with the Pan-African Council for a transformative symposium, “Accelerating Trade, Investment, and Job Growth in Africa and the Caribbean Through Sports Business Ecosystem” – to be held on the sidelines of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum 2024 (ACTIF2024) – that is poised to shape the future of the African and Caribbean regions through a synergy of sports, culture, and business.

The symposium is an official side event at the AfriCaribbean Trade & Investment Forum (ACTIF2024), hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Government of The Bahamas. Thousands of African, Caribbean, and global leaders from government, business, finance, sports, and other key sectors, will gather for ACTIF2024, which is being held under the theme, “Owning Our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa”.

Across Africa and the Caribbean, sports and creative industries have emerged as a powerful engine of growth and catalysts for building a thriving business ecosystem, fostering creativity, unlocking investments, and creating jobs for youth.

About

Through highly-interactive panel discussions and networking, the symposium aims to spur the sports business ecosystem in Africa, the Caribbean, and the broader Diaspora, fueling sustainable growth, job creation, and economic prosperity. Panel themes range from market insights and investment opportunities to infrastructure development, sports technology, and case studies on the sports business ecosystem. The half-day symposium will spark compelling dialogues and present a pipeline of investable projects in the regions.

African and Caribbean government officials, private sector leaders, sports figures, and tech innovators will present insights and case studies of how the sports business ecosystem is driving new businesses, tourism, job growth, and lucrative business and investment opportunities.

About AfriCaribbean Diaspora Alliance

The AfriCaribbean Diaspora Alliance is an alliance dedicated to building an economically vibrant and interconnected regional partnership that promotes trade, investment, and shared prosperity between Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora.

To learn more and register for the symposium, please visit www.africaribbeanalliance.com.

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Media Contact:

Tatiana Mensah
media@panafricancouncil.org

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SINGAPORE, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL  —

​For the first time ever, #Africa was represented at the 7th Business and Philanthropy Forum 2023 (2023年第七届商业与慈善论坛) in #Singapore – the two-day premier gathering and an immersive learning experience for Asia’s largest family offices and private wealth management offices, philanthropists, next-gens, tech founders, investors, academics, policy makers, and nonprofit leaders worldwide, in-person in Asia’s wealth hub Singapore, on November 9th and 10th, 2023, at Shangri-La Hotel.
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In the spirit of South-South cooperation between Asian and African countries and stakeholders, the Pan-African Council had the honour of curating a 20-person high-level African delegation to the event, representing all 6 regions of Africa and the Diaspora.

Workshop

The Council was honored to have Her Majesty Princess Tirelo Molotlegi from South Africa’s Royal Bafokeng Kingdom (Royal Bafokeng Holdings) keynote the forum, who spoke on royal family philanthropy and impact investment.

At the forefront of our commitment to catalyse sustainable development and economic advancement on the African continent, we also hosted the “Investing in Africa” workshop featuring distinguished leaders: 1) Dianne Dusaidi – Lead, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Transitions of Mastercard Foundation Africa, 2) Osa Aihie – COO of Africa Equity Group, and 3) Fayçal Aliou – President of Rizq Ventures, who actively contribute as part of the Pan-African Council network and work to enrich our comprehension of the investment dynamics within Africa.

Anchored in this purpose, the workshop offered an interactive platform for insightful dialogues and presentations, enabling participants to gain invaluable perspectives from the forefront of African-based initiatives and potential pathways for deeper cooperation with Asia. The initial presentation plunged into untapped investment potential across diverse sectors, bolstered by real-world successes, and discussions on prevalent misconceptions and hurdles regarding the African continent. The ensuing discourse transitioned to sustainable investment strategies, showcasing models that align with enduring development objectives through impactful case studies, underscoring the pivotal roles of environmental and social considerations.

Business and Purpose

With a strong lineup of over 15 keynote speeches and panels, 25 breakout fireside chats and masterclasses, and networking experiences, the 2023 Business and Philanthropy Forum offers informative deep dive into cross-cutting thematic topics that represent the most pressing business and philanthropic challenges in the region. Delegates gained valuable insights into best practices in strategic philanthropy, family succession and legacy planning, family business as a force for good, family office governance, impact and sustainable investment, and together to raise the awareness in aligning wealth with a purpose.

We look forward to executing the impact projects discussed during the Forum and deepen meaningful cooperation between the African and Asian continents.

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BANJUL, THE GAMBIA  —

This Wednesday April 5th, 2023, the Honourable Demba Hydara, Pan-African Council Ambassador to The Gambia and Neighboring West African Countries, welcomed renowned Senegalese-American artist and entrepreneur, Aliou Badara Thiam, widely known as Akon, earlier today in Banjul on his presidential visit to discuss investments in country. His Excellency President Adama Barrow met with the international superstar at State House, to talk about his Akon City projects and investment potential in the region.

Akon’s Impact: Philanthropy and Promotion of Africa to the Diaspora

Akon, the American-Senegalese singer, has been making a significant impact on the African continent through his philanthropy and business ventures. He has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in Africa, including the Akon Lighting Africa project, which aims to provide electricity to millions of people across the continent. Through his company, Akon Lighting Africa, he has installed solar panels in several African countries, providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.

In addition to his philanthropy work, Akon has also been promoting Africa to the global African diaspora by showcasing the continent’s beauty and potential. He has been advocating for increased investment in Africa, highlighting the continent’s vast resources and untapped potential. Through his music and media appearances, he has been challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with Africa, and instead, highlighting the continent’s rich culture and diversity. Akon’s work in Africa and promotion of the continent to the diaspora has been instrumental in changing the narrative about Africa and inspiring others to invest in the continent’s future.

The Council commends Mr Demba Hydara in his role as a presidential advisor to the Republic of The Gambia, responsible for strategic national development priorities in health and diaspora engagement, as well as the promotion of culture, trade, and investments.

Get access to physical or digital copies of the Afri Diplomat Magazine for your reading pleasure. 

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LAGOS, NIGERIA  —

The Pan-African Council is pleased to partner and contribute to the new edition of Afri Diplomat Magazine, covering the latest events, personalities and happenings across the African and diasporic diplomatic landscape.

In the words of the magazine’s Editor-In-Chief, Prince Deji Ajomale-McWord, “the content of this publication will always be about Africa, her diaspora, the rest of the world who operates within her shores and in whose space nations of Africa operate, vis-à-vis international relations. You would be seeing Afri Diplomat Magazine in electronic and print format, for months and years to come. Kindly join us on this journey.”

Physical copies can be found at your nearest international African airport across Nigeria (The Envoy Hotel, Abuja Bolingo Hotel & Suites; Abuja Protocol Lounges: Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport; Muritala Mohammed International Airport), Kenya (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport), South Africa (Airport O.R Tambo International Airport), or at Pan-African Council offices.

Get access to digital copies of the Afri Diplomat Magazine for your reading pleasure. The copies may be downloaded for free here.

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The Forum aims to supercharge Afro-Colombian businesses and create a community of Black business professionals from Colombia and beyond.

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SANTIAGO DE CALI, COLOMBIA  —

This coming Friday and Saturday January 13-14, 2023, the Pan-African Council will be co-hosting the Afro-Colombian Executive Forum in collaboration with Howard University School of Business and the Universidad Santiago de Cali in Colombia. ⁣

The Forum is an intensive program designed to develop the participants’ core business skills and provide them with the tools to succeed. This will be achieved through modules focused on the following topics:

• Historical and present context of building community wealth
• Business preparedness
• Discussion tables
• Leadership, human talent and branding
• Financial forecasting
• Networking and on-going engagement

In addition to job creation and new economic opportunities, entrepreneurship and enterprise development are essential drivers of community transformation that encourage innovation and a culture of success. We look forward to empowering the Afro-Colombian business community by creating new partnerships across the Council’s global network.⁣

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA  —

Chief Economist of the Pan-African Council, Osa Aihie, speaks to CNBC Africa host and award-winning financial journalist Fifi Peters on SAfm Market Update with Moneyweb regarding US-Africa relations and the outlook on trade and investment on the African continent.

Click here to listen to the episode.

The Forum aims to create a strong sustainable connection between African governments and African-American/Diaspora entrepreneurs and investors throughout the United States
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WASHINGTON D.C., USA —

The Pan-African Council will host the 2022 US-Africa Trade and Investment Forum (ATIF2022), scheduled to take place at the Kellogg Conference Hotel in Washington D.C., from December 14 to 16, 2022.

ATIF2022 will be held on the margins of the US-Africa Leaders Summit under the theme “Unlocking African Markets for Trade and Development”. The Forum aims to foster the development of strategic partnerships between the business communities in Africa and the United States with a special focus on the African diaspora, to bolster bilateral cooperation and increase engagement in trade, investment, technology, innovation, tourism, culture, and other sectors.

The event will consist of high-level B2B and B2G roundtable discussions, networking functions, and deal breakout sessions with investors to unlock financing opportunities and strengthen US-Africa trade and investment. Participants will connect with high-level African government delegations, senior U.S. government officials, CEOs, and senior executives of U.S. and African companies. Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from key agencies and discover the resources and tools to facilitate business investing in Africa.

On behalf of the public sector, His Excellency Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, Badara Joof, will keynote the Forum and discuss how governments across the region are incentivizing key opportunities for investors, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Private sector panelist Joseph Hampanda, Managing Partner at Africa Equity Group, an Africa-focused fund and investment management firm, affirmed that “Africa’s trade and investment outlook is unmatched and the Forum couldn’t come at a better time. As the fastest growing continent in the world with the youngest population, now is the time to increase trade and investment in Africa”.

ATIF2022 is also expected to contribute to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) from the perspective of further integrating Africa’s vast and diverse global diaspora. Panelists will discuss making effective use of the Diaspora’s capital, talent, and resources to ensure economic prosperity and inclusion, as well as leveraging entrepreneurship and investment as a catalyst for economic development.

Chairman of the Pan-African Council, Mr Fabien Anthony, highlighted, “After four centuries, the call for Africa and her Diaspora to join forces has never been greater, and so the Forum must be embraced as a historic moment to broaden cooperation and drive the increased flow of investments, know-how, products and services between our regions”.

In addition to the Council, ATIF2022 is co-managed by Afri Business Circle, Bulle Consulting, and the Global Advances Group. As part of their commitment to the Forum’s success, each respective stakeholder has pledged to sign long-term cooperation agreements with participating governments to promote strategic trade and investment initiatives.

Intending participants, including potential sponsors, can register for ATIF 2022 by visiting the event website at https://www.africatradeforum2022.com.

The event is also listed on the US State Department’s official US-Africa Leaders Summit event website.

For further information, email media@panafricancouncil.org.