Global Africa Summit to increase trade between Africa, diaspora launched
The Global Africa Summit, aimed at boosting trade, investment, and partnerships between Africa and its diaspora, has been launched in Accra
The event, set for December, will bring together investors, professionals, and business leaders from across the continent and the diaspora to explore economic opportunities in Ghana and Africa.
Speaking at the launch, the Founding President and CEO of the Africa Investment Network and Convener of the Global Africa Summit, Mrs Jane Reindorf-Osei, said the decision to begin the summit series in Ghana was deliberate.
“As a proud Ghanaian, I felt that I could not start the Summit Series in Africa anywhere else but Ghana. We have so much to offer not just natural resources, but also the talent and energy of our people. We want to bring the diaspora and our global partners here and showcase all the opportunities for investment, partnership, and tourism,” she said.
She was optimistic that the two-day programme would help focus on trade and investment, with participation from private sector leaders, government officials, academics, and global entrepreneurs.
“The summit is also backed by international partners, including the National Black Chamber and members of the Africa Investment Network, they are excited to come to Ghana. It’s not just about business. Many feel Ghana is home. Some have never been to Africa, and they want to witness the Ghanaian culture and be part of the Black Star experience,” she added.
Director of the Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, noted that diaspora remittances have reached 6.4 billion US dollars, showing the potential of what can be achieved with more intentional engagement.
“This event is one that we are giving all our support. President Mahama, has kept the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency because of the importance we place on engaging Ghanaians and Africans abroad. It’s about more than remittances. If you’re a doctor, a teacher, or a business owner abroad, we want you to come back and contribute to your community,” he said.
He encouraged Ghanaians in the diaspora and those with ties to Ghana to plan their visit around December for the National Diaspora Summit.
“We do not want December in Ghana to be just about fun. We want people to also contribute to national development. That’s why we are launching the Black Star Experience, to make Ghana a destination all year round,” Mr Okyere Darko added.
Mrs Yvonne Ocloo, CEO of TopDog Africa and a partner of the Global Africa Summit, said: “This is about building economic bridges and partnerships that create jobs and grow our economies”.
She said the Summit would move from Washington DC in October to Toronto, Canada, before ending in Ghana in December.
“With Ghana taking centre stage this December, the hope is that more people from the diaspora will return, not just to visit, but to invest, partner, and build,” she added.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
