New York, 24 September 2024—Harvard Club of New York City
The 10th International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) 2024 concluded with notable success, reinforcing its pivotal role in promoting cross-continental collaboration. Held at the prestigious Harvard Club of New York City, the event brought together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States to explore the theme “Uniting Leadership for a Prosperous Future.” This year’s forum focused on sustainable growth, investment opportunities, and leadership excellence in key sectors such as energy, finance, technology, and mining.
The forum facilitated productive discussions and established impactful partnerships, further solidifying IFAL as a premier platform for advancing economic cooperation and diplomatic relations among Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States.
Key attendees and highlights
IFAL 2024 hosted an esteemed group of global leaders who led discussions on strengthening African-Caribbean relations. Notable figures included:
- H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
- Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairwoman of the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM)
- Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel, Director General of Sociedade Mineira de Catoca LDA, Angola
- Eng. Victor B. Mapani, Managing Director of Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO)
- Mr. Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director of OmniBSIC Bank Limited, Ghana
- Hon. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Former Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus
- Mr. Harry Kalaba, President of the Citizens First Party, Zambia
- Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados
- Mr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Managing Director of the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana
- Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies Limited
Sessions on Leadership, Innovation, and Investment
The forum’s opening plenary featured keynote speeches by Ms. Reta Jo Lewis, President of the U.S. EXIM Bank, and Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher of African Leadership Magazine. One of the day’s highlights was a session led by H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, where he presented Bayelsa State’s strategic investment plans with a focus on infrastructure and agricultural development.
Another session spotlighted Angola’s mining sector. Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel provided valuable insights into sustainable development, emphasising the role of corporate social responsibility and technology in driving progress.
During the State Government Investment Opportunities Showcase, Sen. Douye Diri highlighted Bayelsa’s strategic advantages for investors, emphasising its rich arable land, abundant oil and gas resources, and untapped aquatourism potential. His remarks, along with a panel session hosted by the Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Council, generated considerable interest among attendees regarding opportunities in agriculture, energy, and tourism.
Awards Celebrating Leadership Excellence
A key highlight of the forum was the awards ceremony, which honoured distinguished leaders for their contributions to African-Caribbean collaboration. Awardees included:
- Eng. Victor B. Mapani, Managing Director, ZESCO-African Leadership Special Commendation Award
- Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies Limited, Special African Leadership Commendation Award
- H.E. Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mining, South Sudan, African Leadership Public Service Excellence Award
- Mr. Harry Kalaba, President, Citizens First Party, Zambia, Global Inspirational Leadership Award
- Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor, Central Bank of Barbados, Global Leadership Excellence Award
- Mr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Managing Director, National Petroleum Authority, Ghana-Africa Energy Leadership Commendation Award
- H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria—African Leadership Best Performing Governor Award (South-South Nigeria)
- Sen. Barr Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator for Kaduna South, Nigeria—African Leadership Legislative Excellence Award
U.S. Special Commendations
Several participants received commendations from U.S. states, recognising their leadership contributions:
- Eng. Victor B. Mapani received a Congressional Commendation from the South Carolina General Assembly.
- Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel was awarded Honorary Citizenship of Georgia by the Georgia Senate.
- Mr. Daniel Asiedu earned a Special Commendation from the U.S. State of South Carolina.
- Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde received a Special Congressional Commendation from the South Carolina General Assembly.
- H.E. Sen. Douye Diri was also granted Honorary Citizenship of the State of Georgia.
- Sen. Barr Sunday Marshall Katung received special congressional commendations from the South Carolina General Assembly.
Forging Partnerships for a Brighter Future
IFAL 2024 provided an excellent platform for networking, enabling delegates to engage in meaningful conversations that forged new partnerships. Covering sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and finance, the forum created opportunities to strengthen African-Caribbean cooperation for years to come.
Voices from the Forum
Dr. Ken Giami, Chairman and Publisher of African Leadership Magazine, praised the event’s success, stating, “The insights shared and partnerships formed will leave a lasting impact on African-Caribbean relations.”
H.E. Sen. Douye Diri added, “This forum allowed us to exchange visions, address challenges, and find solutions. The collaborations born here will help shape a prosperous future for our regions.”
With plans for future editions already underway, IFAL remains a beacon for advancing sustainable development and cross-continental collaboration.
For more information on IFAL and upcoming events, visit www.africanleadershipmagazine.co.uk or contact
The Group Editor
King Richard Igimoh
at editor@africanleadership.co.uk or
king.richards@africanleadership.co.uk
