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

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.”

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.

Saint Lucia – [October 29, 2024]

The Pan-African Council extends its heartfelt congratulations to the organizers of the inaugural AI Global South Summit. This groundbreaking event, held in the stunning backdrop of Saint Lucia, successfully explored the transformative potential of AI and emerging technologies in fostering innovation and collaboration at the intersection of culture, technology, work futures, and education.

We are honored to have been an institutional partner of such a visionary initiative. The Summit’s focus on leveraging technology to empower the Global South (i.e. the youthful and energetic Global Majority) aligns perfectly with our organization’s mission to foster innovation and sustainable development across the African continent and beyond.

We look forward to the next edition of the AI Global South Summit, where we can continue to collaborate and scale up our efforts to harness the power of AI for the benefit of our communities. Let’s work together to build a future where technology serves as a catalyst for cultural preservation, socioeconomic prosperity, and social justice.

Congratulations once again on a remarkable achievement!

About the AI Global South Summit

The AI Global South Summit Foundation is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration at the intersection of culture, technology, work futures, and education. Our mission is to bring together diverse voices—experts, practitioners, industry leaders, educators, and cultural custodians—to explore how AI and emerging technologies can be leveraged to preserve and promote cultural heritage across the Global South, while addressing the transformative impacts of these technologies on work and education.

By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, the summit aims to create opportunities for sustainable growth in the creative sectors, ensuring the protection of both tangible and intangible cultural assets—from languages and traditions to music and art. Additionally, we seek to explore how AI can shape future workforces and educational models, empowering communities to harness these technologies to build vibrant, resilient, and culturally rich futures. Through these efforts, we strive to equip individuals with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in our changing digital landscape.

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.

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

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

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA  —

The Pan-African Council (PAC) recently participated in Johnson C. Smith University‘s Lyceum Engagement Series on February 22nd, 2024, highlighting its mission to collaborate with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in supporting Pan-African development.

“There’s a significant number of developments happening across Africa, and diverse nationalities are involved, however African-Americans are underrepresented,” stated Fabien Anthony, Chairman of the PAC, according to the QCity Metro interview. Joining Anthony at the Lyceum luncheon were Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and founder of the SEED Project (a youth leadership development program through basketball), and Her Royal Highness Princess Tirelo Molotlegi of South Africa’s Royal Bafokeng Nation.

The forum aimed to dispel misconceptions and inaccurate information about Africa, while showcasing its positive developments. “Our goal is to demonstrate the opportunities available to JCSU,” said Anthony. “We are keen to explore avenues for expanding global education, facilitating student exchange programs, and collaborating with Mr. Fall and the Princess’ initiatives.”

Princess Molotlegi addressed sustainable community development and educational development, while Mr. Fall discussed opportunities for student-athletes.

A Sports-Oriented Approach

Mr. Fall emphasized his mission of fostering a stronger connection between the BAL and Black Americans. Following the BAL’s launch in 2021, there has been some American participation, including celebrity entertainer J. Cole. This trend has steadily increased year after year. The BAL’s partnership with the NBA has accelerated the league’s growth in its short lifespan of three years. Recognizing basketball’s global appeal, Mr. Fall seeks to capitalize on this popularity by engaging HBCU players.

“We want to make the BAL an option for basketball players to continue their careers. A player from JCSU can look at us and see us as an option,” he stated.

A 2020 study by the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) revealed that only 1.2% of college basketball players are drafted by the NBA annually. This percentage shrinks further each year due to the increasing number of international players entering the draft.

Over 20% of college basketball players pursue professional careers internationally or in the NBA’s G-League, its developmental league. The rapidly growing BAL presents another promising avenue for college basketball players to pursue professional aspirations.

Mr. Fall expressed his hope that this message will resonate with potential players from JCSU and other HBCUs.

Looking Forward

As reported by QCity Metro, Mr. Anthony indicated that the PAC will continue exploring avenues to connect with HBCUs and the African American community, aligning with its existing initiatives such as trade forums and youth engagement programs.

In 2022, the Council supported the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, fostering collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean Islands through knowledge sharing on investments, trade, climate change, health, and more. Beyond event coordination, PAC offers youth mentorship and development programs, along with grants and programs that enhance youth access to education, development skills, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives.

“There’s been significant past discourse about organizations developing Pan-African engagement,” concluded Mr. Anthony. “The Council is here to demonstrably taking action.”

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA  —

Preliminary Meeting on the 3rd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Back to the Roots: A Pan-African Approach in Fostering an African Renaissance

Date: March 25-27, 2024

Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Venue: The Quorum

Implementing partners: International Coalition for People of African Descent (ICPAD), Pan-African Council (PAC), African Union ECOSOCC, Panda Africa (Zambia), Articulación Latinoamericana para el Decenio Afrodescendiente (ALDA), Black and African Diaspora Program (BAFD) – Dalhousie University, Centre for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC), Baobab Centro de Innovación en Justicia Racial, de Género y Ambiental (Colombia), Plateforme Haïtienne de Plaidoyer pour un Développement Alternatif (PAPDA), Frantz Fanon Foundation (Martinique/France).

The aim of the preliminary meeting is to:

• Strengthen and expand ICPAD and its members, that will meet in person or online before each United Nations Permanent Forum of People of African Descent session to create a working plan and identify key objectives as part of civil society contribution;
• Foster knowledge exchange to promote inclusive and holistic policy recommendations and decision-making capabilities;
• Develop an effective grassroots-driven network that has the tools and resources to support people of African descent globally in dealing with human rights violations and dignity.

For more information and to register for the event, kindly visit: http://panafricancouncil.org/LUSAKA2024.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA  —

The Pan-African Council and Johnson C. Smith University – JCSU join forces in Charlotte, North Carolina for the university’s Lyceum Engagement Series on February 22nd, 2024.

The engaging panel discussion will include Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and founder of the SEED Project who will speak on the significance of sports, youth, and basketball as a socioeconomic driver across Africa; Her Royal Highness Princess Tirelo Molotlegi of South Africa’s Royal Bafokeng Nation who will speak on sustainable community development and the empowerment of youth and girls; and our very own Chairman, Mr Fabien Anthony of the Pan-African Council who will discuss meaningful Africa-Diaspora engagement, impact investments, and fostering economic and social prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

The panel will be followed by a Q&A period where students, alumni, staff, and other participants will ask questions relating to the discussion and possibilities for expanding global education, partnerships, and collaboration. Most importantly, the event will aim to explore further partnership opportunities in the aforementioned areas to further support Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ (HBCUs’) engagement with the rapid developments happening across the Africa continent.