---

Charlotte set as flagship city for dual-track sports and careers initiative

LOS ANGELES, CA, USA – February 25, 2026 – The SEED Project, together with implementation partners the Pan-African Council, Champs for Change, and the Global Africa Business Accelerator (GABA) Center, has taken a major step toward launching the U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit following a high-level Stakeholder Roundtable held during NBA All-Star Week in Los Angeles.

Convened by SEED Project and supported by SEED founder Amadou Gallo Fall, the roundtable brought together HBCU leaders, African and Caribbean diaspora representatives, city officials, impact investors, sports executives, and youth development organizations. The group aligned around the shared goal of using sport as a platform for education, careers, and economic mobility on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dual-track model: on-court and across the ecosystem

The U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit builds on a historical combine model while adding a second, equally weighted track focused on careers:
A high-performance basketball combine for athletes, featuring standardized testing, positional skill work, and 5‑on‑5 evaluations.

A parallel Sports Careers Summit for non‑athlete and multi‑interest youth, offering personality-based career assessments, hands-on labs, shadowing experiences, and mentoring across media, analytics, operations, coaching, entrepreneurship, technology, esports, and sports diplomacy.

“This is about who gets to build the future of sport,” said Fabien Anthony, Chairman of the Pan-African Council. “We are designing a platform where young people can move from fan to professional on the floor, in the boardroom, and across the global economy.”

Charlotte as flagship launch

Roundtable participants endorsed Charlotte, North Carolina as the flagship host city for the first event, subject to final alignment with the Charlotte Hornets and facility partners. The concept calls for:

• A three‑day program at the Hornets’ arena, combining on‑court evaluation and off‑court career exploration.
• HBCU- and city-led learning experiences, using Charlotte’s history with HBCU tournaments and NBA All-Star as a live case study in major event delivery, cultural impact, and local economic benefits.

“Charlotte offers a powerful classroom,” said Kimberly Nelson, CEO of the GABA Center. “Young people will see how a single event mobilizes hundreds of roles from game operations and storytelling to hospitality, technology, finance, healthcare and city planning.”

Centering youth careers in sport

Champs for Change (C4C) will lead design and delivery of the Sports Careers Summit, ensuring non‑athlete youth are full co‑beneficiaries of the program rather than an add‑on.

“Every young person who walks into this experience should leave with a clearer pathway whether that’s in front of the camera, behind the camera, at the scorer’s table, in the startup lab, or leading in their community,” said Memuna Williams, co‑founder of Champs for Change. “We’re building a generation of African and diaspora leaders who see sport as an industry.”

Next steps

SEED Project and its partners agreed to a 90‑day roadmap that includes finalizing dates and space requirements with the Charlotte Hornets, refining the combine and Summit curriculum, mapping industry roles to HBCU and African university programs, and structuring a shared sponsorship and scholarship fund. A post-meeting report, recording these commitments was circulated among project stakeholders on February 24.

“This initiative is a movement to build prosperity across the continent, elevate youth through mentorship and professionalism, and integrate African talent into global value chains,” the partners said in a joint statement.

About the project partners

SEED Project (Sports for Education and Economic Development) is an International NGO that uses education and basketball to develop the next generation of socially conscious African leaders that have the tools to lead their country. Learn more at seedproject.org.

Pan-African Council (PAC) is the premier global leadership and strategic development organization dedicated to elevating Africa and her Diaspora on the world stage. Guided by its multi-faceted approach, the Council bridges political divides through diplomatic engagement; unlocks shared prosperity by fostering economic opportunities; and empowers communities with targeted social initiatives. Learn more at panafricancouncil.org.

Champs for Change (C4C) is a pan‑African social enterprise that supports young people who want to build careers in sport, both on and off the field. Through resources, mentoring, training, connection to networks and collaboration, C4C helps the people behind the game turn passion for sport into real education, work, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Learn more at champs4change.org and share your interest in working with C4C here.

The GABA Center (Global Africa Business Accelerator) is the diplomatic and commercial bridge connecting the United States, Africa, and the global diaspora. Through its four strategic pillars, Capacity Building, Workforce Development, Venture Building, and Ecosystem Building, GABA delivers integrated programming that strengthens local economies and opens global pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions. Learn more at gabacenter.com.

Media contacts

SEED Project – info@seedproject.org
Pan-African Council – media@panafricancouncil.org
Champs for Change – info@champs4change.org
GABA Center – pr@gabacenter.com

---

---

Strategic Milestone for Afro-Colombian Heritage

CALI, COLOMBIA – February 26, 2026 – We are proud to announce that the Pan-African Council, has been formally invited by the City of Cali in Colombia to join the Advisory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival.

This invitation, extended by the City’s Secretariat of Culture, marks a significant step in strengthening the bridge between the Colombian Pacific and the global African diaspora.

Why This Matters

The year 2026 represents a historic milestone. For three decades, “El Petronio” has served as the beating heart of Afro-Colombian identity, honoring ancestral memory and cultural power.

Our participation in this committee aims to:

• Scale the Legacy: Project the 30th edition as a world-class celebration of Pan-African heritage.
• Strategic Vision: Collaboration with leaders to integrate international perspectives.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Solidify Cali’s position as a central hub for the global African diaspora community.

Stay tuned as we prepare for our first session on March 12, 2026, to begin mapping out this historic commemoration.

---

---

Queuing The Century of Prosperity

LOME, TOGO – December 15, 2025 – The Pan-African Council is honored to have contributed to the 9th Pan-African Congress hosted by the Republic of Togo and the African Union, 125 years after the inaugural summons in London. To witness the closing of one historical epoch and the violent birth of another during this timely and momentous occasion, represents a fundamental turning point in the dialogue of human development. The world is witnessing the dissolution of old hegemonies and the emergence of a new economic paradigm, where Africa’s role on the global stage is finally being defined not by its capacity to endure history, but by its undeniable power to shape it.

During the Congress, Council Chairman Fabien Anthony offered a 4-pillar, Pragmatic Pan-African Action Plan for a Multipolar World in his plenary discourse to nudge Global Africa in the right direction, this included:

1. Defining African rejuvenation from struggle to sovereignty:
   This is an act of reclaiming narrative and demanding agency. It requires moving conceptually from the historical necessity of struggle to the imperative of sovereignty. The 21st century must, therefore, be unequivocally declared Africa’s Century of Prosperity—a designation that mandates a profound ideological and policy shift. This means replacing the limiting discourse of poverty reduction with the proactive ambition of comprehensive wealth creation, demanding sustained and integrated capital formation across every sphere: intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, and financial.
2. Navigating the complexities of a dynamic multipolar landscape:
   Recent geopolitical shifts present Africa with a paradox; unprecedented opportunities to leverage its strategic importance, alongside acute vulnerabilities to new forms of economic dependency and geopolitical maneuvering. African countries will need to shift from a passive recipient of external solutions and development models to becoming an active negotiator setting new terms of engagement.
3. Freeing the youth:
   With a median age of 24 years old in our Africa Equity Group portfolio of 5,000+ businesses and projects financed to date, we must massively scale access to seed funding, strategic capital, and entrepreneurial ecosystems that allow for young entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises to thrive. The definitive financing of this structural transformation must be anchored in the decisive mobilization of the African diaspora, complementing important Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows by leveraging the sub-class of Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) to seamlessly translate current consumption remittances into a structured, sovereign source of development capital. This necessitates the parallel issuance of intentional financial instruments, such as Continent-Wide Diaspora Bonds and Investment Funds, to securitize this wealth. To facilitate deployment and scale, the continent must urgently prioritize the simplification and harmonization of business policies across the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), coupled with the creation of a continent-wide skills bank and mentorship network designed to optimize human capital flow and accelerate the transfer of essential technology and knowledge to African firms and SMEs.
4. Accountability:
   We must stop planning in short, reactive cycles. Our plans must be backed by a public, transparent and long-term Pan-African scorecard that measures: Economic integration, diaspora integration, resource control, human development, value-added industrialization, technological sovereignty, institutional resilience, among others. We must move beyond the era of rhetorical declarations to an era of empirical verification, where progress is judged not by the aspirational GDP of individual nations, but by the granular reality of our collective structural transformation.

PAC also joined the 4th Commission Working Group, titled ‘Reinventing African Citizenship,’ to contribute strategic recommendations. This collaborative effort culminated in the inclusion of the group’s findings in the FINAL DECLARATION OF THE NINTH PAN-AFRICAN CONGRESS IN LOMÉ available for download here.

Simultaneously, it was a distinct privilege to accompany the Colombian delegation, led by Vice President H.E. Francia Elena Márquez Mina and Vice Minister Mr. Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, to the 9th Congress. To trace the arc from our Council’s initial advisory role during the Vice President’s first official visit to the continent in 2023, to now witnessing the culmination of her mandate with the establishment of relations with the Republic of Togo, is remarkable. It speaks directly to the maturity and laser-focused execution of Colombia’s Africa Strategy 2022-2026, marking a sophisticated evolution in South-South Cooperation.

---

---

SINGAPORE – November 19, 2025 — Building on the previous year‘s Forum, the Pan-African Council (PAC) recently took center stage at the Alliance for Good (AFG) 2025 Business and Philanthropy Forum, serving as a vital bridge between African delegates and their counterparts across Asia. Through strategic hosting and the moderation of high-level dialogues, the Council helped illuminate the immense potential of global co-creation and purpose-driven investment.

The forum served as a powerful testament to the energy unleashed when cultural icons, business leaders, and philanthropic change-makers unite to solve systemic challenges.

Sports for Good: A Champion’s Vision

The event was energized by a keynote address from UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou. Representing Cameroon, Ngannou shared a moving vision for “Sports for Good,” emphasizing how athletic platforms can be leveraged for positive social change and the empowerment of Africa’s youth.

Strategic Panel Highlights

The Council moderated two pivotal discussions focusing on the intersection of capital, climate, and global trade:

Wealth and Capital for Good: This session, titled Fostering Climate-Centric Collaboration: Investors Collaborating for Systemic Change, featured:

• Carman Chan (Founder of Clicks Ventures, Hong Kong)
• Susli Lie (Partner of Monk’s Hill Ventures, Indonesia)

The dialogue focused on how pooled investment power can drive the systemic shifts required to combat climate change.

Globalization in the New Era: Centered on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and global investment, this panel brought together a diverse group of experts, including:

• Ade Soekadis, Executive Director of Mercy Corps Indonesia
• Florence Yula, Investment Regional Director at Coerman Family Office (Kenya)
• Adaku Ijara, Founder & CEO of CRL Wealth (Nigeria)
• Bella Ikeme, CEO of Caizen and Founder of ASPIRE Luxury Magazine (Nigeria)

A Shared Future: Africa 2026

The momentum generated in Singapore is only the beginning. The Pan-African Council is proud to announce that it will host a Singaporean delegation on the African continent in 2026. This upcoming mission aims to solidify the commitments made during the forum and translate high-level discussions into tangible socio-economic action across Africa.

---

---

Fluminense Federal Institute, Pan-African Council, and Consulate General of Angola Sign Academic Cooperation Agreement

CAMPOS DOS GOYTACAZES, RJ – September 13, 2025 – The Fluminense Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology (IFFluminense), in partnership with the Pan-African Council (PAC), has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration in teaching, research, and extension activities. The agreement was co-signed by the Consul General of Angola in Rio de Janeiro and the Brazil-Angola Chamber of Commerce, with negotiations facilitated by the Pan-African Council, a strategic partner of the consulate.

The memorandum establishes a framework for mutual cooperation in teaching, research, extension, development, and cultural promotion, with a duration of five years.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Exchange programs for professors, administrative staff, and students.
• Technical and scientific development initiatives for faculty and students.
• Joint implementation of teaching, research, and extension projects.
• Promotion of intercultural exchange activities among participants.
• Organization and participation in technical, scientific, and academic events.
• Sharing of academic materials and information.
• Development of short-term academic programs.
• Establishment of research networks and promotion of academic publications.

This partnership will operate under a model of mutual collaboration, with activities coordinated by IFFluminense’s International Cooperation Office and the Pan-African Council’s Office in South Africa. The agreement was signed by Victor Barbosa Saraiva, Rector of IFFluminense, and Rogério Soares de Siqueira, Ambassador of the Pan-African Council to Brazil.

This collaboration is poised to strengthen global and intercultural perspectives in education, science, and technology, fostering significant outcomes for all parties involved.

---

---

Saint Lucia – [August 4, 2025]

The Pan-African Council is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert as our new Board Advisor for Caribbean Affairs. A distinguished academic, policy strategist, and former Minister of Government, Dr. Rigobert brings a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership to strengthen Caribbean-Africa partnerships rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and South-South cooperation.

Dr. Rigobert’s illustrious career spans international diplomacy, sustainable development, education transformation, and digital innovation. As Saint Lucia’s Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations, and Sustainable Development from 2016 to 2021, she championed transformative policies prioritizing climate resilience, gender equity, and education reform. A trailblazer, she made history as the first woman and one of the youngest to serve as Leader of the Opposition in Saint Lucia’s Parliament (2014–2016). Her powerful advocacy for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has amplified the Global South’s voice on critical issues like sustainability and inclusive global frameworks.

With an academic foundation from the University of the West Indies and the University of Cambridge, where she was a Chevening and Sir Patrick Sheehy Scholar, Dr. Rigobert has taught and mentored future leaders in international relations, global political economy, and diplomacy. Her academic contributions include a visiting fellowship at the University of Sussex, teaching at Anton de Kom University in Suriname, and serving as a Visiting Fellow at the University of York’s Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre (2022–2023). Most recently, as Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin (2023–2025), she spearheaded curriculum innovation and institutional strengthening.

Currently, as CEO and Principal Consultant of Propel Ltd., Dr. Rigobert advises global organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF on education transformation, AI governance, and policy innovation across the Caribbean. Her deep regional insight and commitment to fostering equitable partnerships make her an invaluable addition to the Pan-African Council.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert as we work together to deepen Caribbean-Africa collaboration and advance our shared vision for a resilient, inclusive future.

---

---

New Jersey, USA / Cali, Colombia – [June 15, 2025]

The Pan-African Council is proud to welcome celebrity music executives Jamal “Mally” Brandon and Steven “Steve-O” Carless as strategic Board Members, bringing their unparalleled expertise and vision to launch a transformative community initiative in Colombia and beyond. This groundbreaking program aims to uplift the music and creative industries, nurture local talent, and bolster the entertainment business by establishing an artist development program, a state-of-the-art music studio in the heart of Cali’s most marginalized communities, and a distribution strategy to connect local artists with international markets and fans.

Jamal “Mally” Brandon, a seasoned Music Executive and Serial Entrepreneur, brings over a decade of experience in executive production, record production, deal negotiation, music video curation, artist management, and A&R. Known for his mantra of “connecting Creatives as a Creative,” Brandon’s career spans producing records like Fabolous’ “Lituation” to amassing over 1 billion YouTube views as a partner in Shot Selection Media, a venture specializing in targeted digital marketing and social media viewership. His journey from a former artist and record producer to a media mogul reflects his deep understanding of artistry and business. Through his work with MSLM DONS, Brandon promotes peace, discipline, and purpose among Black youth, using Islam as a guiding force to foster brotherhood and empowerment. His commitment to bridging the African American diaspora with Africa through tourism, citizenship, and investment aligns seamlessly with the Council’s mission to foster collaboration and advance Black communities globally in finance, education, and quality of life.

Joining Brandon is Steven “Steve-O” Carless, a renowned record executive, talent manager, tech advisor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Carless is celebrated for his work with global icons like Beyoncé, Polo G, and Nipsey Hussle, earning two Grammy Awards in 2020 for “Racks in the Middle” featuring Roddy Ricch and “Higher” with DJ Khaled. As a co-founder of The Defiant Foundation, Carless champions mentorship, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship to address wealth disparities in underserved communities. His leadership roles, including President of A&R at Warner Records and co-founder of the Republic Records Action Committee, underscore his dedication to systemic change in the music industry.

Through his company The Dream Company, Brandon is spearheading the Pan-African Council’s initiative in Cali, Colombia, creating a vibrant ecosystem for local artists. The artist development program will provide mentorship and training, the music studio will offer a professional space for creation, and the distribution strategy will amplify Colombian talent on the global stage. This initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities and expanding our global footprint through cultural and economic collaboration.

We are thrilled to have Jamal “Mally” Brandon and Steve-O Carless on board, leveraging their expertise to drive impact and opportunity for Colombia’s creative communities. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we work to uplift local talent and connect the African diaspora through the universal language of music.

 

---

---

Kenya – [January 21, 2025]

The Pan-African Council and the University of Nairobi’s (UoN) Department of Diplomacy and International Studies have executed a Collaboration Agreement. This agreement formalizes a shared commitment to identifying and pursuing priority areas of cooperation, thereby strengthening institutional collaboration in the pursuit of common objectives. Specifically, the agreement aims to facilitate enhanced cooperation through joint initiatives encompassing dialogues, conferences, training programs, and research endeavors. The established framework delineates the following areas of cooperative engagement:

I. RESEARCH STUDIES & CONFERENCES

• Interdisciplinary Research: Undertake research and studies on any issues related to Pan African and Diaspora Affairs, Conflict Management, Peace and Security in Africa while observing international research principles and standards. Encourage collaborative research projects that bridge various academic disciplines to address complex Pan-African issues;
• Knowledge Sharing, Policy Advisory and Dissemination: Facilitate the exchange of research findings and best practices through publications, workshops, and online platforms. Generate policy interventions that form the basis for advising government and nongovernmental agencies on Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs;
• Experiential: Organize joint conferences, symposia, courses, workshops and seminars in relation to Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs. Organization of academic and scientific activities such as workshops, courses and seminars;
• Data Collection and Analysis: Establish joint data collection initiatives and analytical frameworks to inform evidence-based policies and interventions.; and
• Collaborate on any other areas of cooperation in the field of Pan Africa and Diaspora Affairs to be mutually agreed upon.

LEADERSHIP CAPACITY BUILDING & OUTREACH

• Global Engagement: The University of Nairobi, Institute of Diplomacy and International studies through its Pan African and Diaspora Centre, shall serve as the liaison office for the Pan-African Council in Kenya. In this capacity, the Centre shall serve as a point of contact for the Council’s outreach, coordination, and implementation of Pan-African initiatives within Kenya. Simultaneously, the Council’s global network of offices and representatives will support the Centre’s global representation and influence by helping it foster partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders;
• Co-Creation & Fundraising: Organize joint fundraising through proposal writing to achieve the objectives of the Agreement and the co-creation of innovation solutions together to solve problems/exploit opportunities identified;
• Exchange Programs: Facilitate and endeavour to create educational and cultural exchange programs to promote intercultural understanding and appreciation; and,
• Promotion of other academic activities which enhance the mentioned goals herein

LEADERSHIP, STUDENT, AND STAFF CAPACITY BUILDING

• Leadership Development: Build the capacity of trainers of trainers to effect wider outreach at the grassroots level on peaceful coexistence and resilience against conflict. Organize leadership training programs for young African leaders to equip them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in Africa and regions of the Diaspora;
• Mentorship and Coaching: endeavour to establish mentorship and coaching opportunities to support the professional development of students, faculty, and staff;
• Capacity building for students through internships, attachments, and scholarships;
• Capacity building for research and technology development and through technical and executive courses;
• Curriculums development to support training on Pan African and Diaspora studies; and,
• Conduct Training Needs Assessment of various sections of the society that need capacity enhancement.

About the University of Nairobi Department of Diplomacy and International Studies

The Departments aim is to be a leading regional and international Centre of scholarly excellence in Diplomacy and International Studies; and, to advance the pursuit of knowledge through relevant and quality research, publications, teaching, training and consultancy in various areas of International Studies, Diplomacy, International Conflict Management and Strategic Studies.

---

---

Colombia – [January 8, 2025]

The Pan-African Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Cesar Cabezas as its Special Representative to the Republic of Colombia.

Mr. Cabezas is an Afro-Colombian leader with a distinguished career in economic and social empowerment, human rights advocacy, and historical scholarship. He brings a wealth of experience to this role, serving as the National Representative for Black communities and constituents in the Colombian Congress from 2022 to 2026. With over two decades of dedicated service, Mr. Cabezas has been a tireless advocate for the empowerment and rights of Black people within Colombia.

He has hosted important dialogues and served on esteemed bodies such as the high-level advisory commission for the consultation of Black, Afro-Colombian, Palenquera, and Raizal communities in Colombia. He has also led initiatives on inter-culturality, inclusive urban development, and ethno-education, fostering dialogue and collaboration both within Colombia and across borders.

As Special Representative, Mr. Cabezas commits to:

• Strengthening Africa and Diaspora relations with Colombia, fostering opportunities for economic, social, educational, and political exchange.
• Promoting sustainable regional development by leveraging best practices in modern enterprise, innovation, science, and technology.
• Advocating for just and inclusive governance through the development of local government and civic leadership rooted in diversity and the rule of law.
• Championing environmental protection and sustainable development practices.
• Expanding access to quality education at all levels, including workforce development through vocational training.
• Fostering a cohesive and engaged Afro-Colombian stakeholder community, inspired by visionary leadership committed to peaceful conflict resolution, social justice, and sustainable development.

We are confident that Mr. Cabezas’s expertise and dedication will make a significant contribution to advancing the Pan-African Council’s mission in Colombia and beyond.

---

---

Virtual – [December 5, 2024]

In preparation for the Education for Africa Dialogic Summit (EADiS), the Pan-African Council has partnered with Global Impact Industries and Africa Voices Dialogue to launch a virtual summit this December 6, 2024, which will culminate in a 3-day in-person summit and 2-day excursion in Nairobi, Kenya, or Johannesburg, South Africa, from May 26–30, 2025. The initiative will focus on the historical and educational connections between HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and African institutions, aiming to deepen Pan-African integration within academic departments, leadership, and students. This effort will foster a global network of Pan-African scholars and advocates across the U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, and the broader Diaspora.

The panel will feature vibrant discussions between leaders from African universities and HBCUs, focusing on strategies to champion the African education agenda globally. Building on the momentum of the recent Education for Africa Dialogic Summit, this initiative aims to lay the foundation for lasting partnerships in support of Pan-African education and connecting with the broader global diaspora community.

Project objectives include:

1. Bridge Pan-African History with HBCUs
   This panel will highlight the historical ties between Pan-Africanism and HBCUs, creating an avenue for
   educational institutions from the U.S. and Africa to integrate and collaborate. This will support the shared
   vision of uniting African and African American students and scholars in the global academic community.
2. Facilitate E-HBCU Panel with Academic Leadership and Students
   Host a virtual event scheduled on December 6, 2024. The event will focus on leadership from various
   academic departments, allowing both faculty and students to discuss important issues, exchange ideas,
   and develop strategies for long-term cooperation.
3. Invite 14 HBCU and African Universities Speakers
   Representatives from at least four HBCUs will be invited to speak on the history and future of Pan-
   Africanism in education while discussing potential collaborations with African universities.
4. Invite Key Agencies, Global Diaspora and Key Leaders
   Representatives from key agencies will be invited to speak on the resources, private sector
   emerging market commitments of HBCUs, while discussing potential collaborations with African
   universities.
5. Engage African Universities
   African universities within our existing network will be invited to participate. This will strengthen
   existing relationships and open opportunities for future partnerships.
6. Provide High-Level Administration and Support
   We will provide specialized administrative support throughout the event. This includes recommending
   and securing relevant HBCU panelists who are influential in Pan-Africanism and global education.

RSVP link: https://www.bit.ly/AVD_31

---