AfriCaribbean Diaspora Alliance Symposium

“Accelerating Trade, Investment, and Job Growth in Africa and the Caribbean through the Sports and Entertainment Business Ecosystems"

Friday, June 14, 2024

4:58PM

5:00PM

WELCOME ADDRESS & KEYNOTE SPEECHES

Austin R. Cooper Jr. | President | Cooper Strategic Affairs, Inc.

Leila Ndiaye | President, LND and Chief Executive, AfriCaribbean Diaspora Alliance

The Honorable Philip Davis | Prime Minister of The Bahamas

Hilda Suka Mafudze | Permanent Representative - African Union Mission to the USA

Kanayo Awani | Executive Vice President, African Export-Import Bank, Afreximbank

3:00PM

PANEL SESSION 1: Unlocking Investment Potential: Exploring Investment Opportunities in the Sports Ecosystem

From stadiums to arenas and entertainment districts, the panel discussion will explore the dynamic landscape of investment opportunities and infrastructure development of sports facilities and entertainment districts. Speakers from various sectors will discuss financing models, attracting investment, and building thriving facilities that enhance communities and drive economic prosperity.

3:10PM

MODERATOR: Will Mbiakop | Executive Chairman | African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI)

Simon Tiemtore | CEO | Vista Bank

Khrystal Riviere | COO | Youth Economy, St. Lucia

Dana Sims | Founder & Producer | Daisy Blue Films

Dr. Guevera Yao | Vice President | U.S. Africa Business Center | U.S. Chamber of Commerce

PANEL SESSION 2: Innovation Nexus: Sports Technology & Creative Industries in Africa and the Caribbean

Technology has the power to transform sports from athlete performance and training devices to fan engagement, e-gaming, and how people watch sports. This panel discussion will explore how technology is shaping the future of sports and entertainment and driving growth in Africa and the Caribbean.

3:45PM

MODERATOR: Will Mbiakop | Executive Chairman | African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI)

Clare Akamanzi | CEO | NBA Africa

Désiré Koussawo | President | France Esports | President | SAGES Africa

Stephen Lwazi Hodge | CEO | OTTera, Inc.

Florette Blackwood | Senior Director at Jamaica’s Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture | Jamaica

FIRESIDE CHAT PANEL: “Accelerating Trade, Investment, and Job Growth in Africa and the Caribbean Through the Sports and Entertainment Business Ecosystems"

The sports business ecosystem in Africa and the Caribbean offers promising trade, investment, and growth opportunities. This market insight presentation will highlight how sports can catalyze growth, boost trade, attract investment, and generate a pipeline of investable projects. The presentation will offer valuable insights into this sector's potential to drive sustainable growth in these regions.

Deniece Laurent-Mantey | Executive Director of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States

Honorable Samal Duggins | Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Sports and Creative Economy, Entertainment and Arts, St. Kitts and Nevis

Rick Wade | Senior Vice President Strategic Alliances and Outreach | U.S. Chamber of  Commerce; former Advisor to former President Barack Obama

Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah | President | African Export-Import Bank

CLOSING REMARKS

4:30PM

Leila Ndiaye | President, LND Global Network and Chief Executive, AfriCaribbean Diaspora Alliance

ENDS

**Program is subject to change.