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.”

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.”

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.

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.

SANTIAGO DE CALI, COLOMBIA  —

Building on the inaugural edition of the Afro-Colombian Executive Business Forum this past January 13-14, 2023, the Pan-African Council alongside Empresario Afro, Universidad de Santiago, and the Howard University School of Business have organized the second edition of the forum.

This edition features two special tracks on Technology & Business Ventures as well as the Creative Economy.

Event location and venue:

Cali, Colombia / Universidad Santiago de Cali

Event date and time:

June 16, 2023 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; June 17, 2023 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

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

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.⁣

The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the African Union Commission invites African and Diaspora entrepreneurs to participate in the Scaling Up Your Business Bootcamp to be held from April 27th – 29th in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A unique opportunity for entrepreneurs with an African Diaspora background whose businesses have outgrown the start-up phase and are looking to transition into full-scale operations with the right financial and technical capacity support. The Bootcamp offers fifteen African and Diaspora Small and Medium Size Entrepreneurs an opportunity to acquire the tools to bring their businesses to scale through an intensive program consisting of training, self-learning, advisory services, and mentoring. In the three days, participants gain the necessary skills to:

• Remodel their business plan for growth in a lean way
• Analyze the gaps between now and their planned future
• Present their ideas to potential partners or clients in a concise/ visual manner (Business Canvas)
• Mobilize resources (finance, know how, networks)
• Be a Role Model to other SME entrepreneurs

In addition, this program enables participants to meet with seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors to expand their network. In order to apply, kindly click here for detailed instructions.