NBCC African Diaspora Business Forum and Reception

The National Black Chamber of Commerce, NBCC, represents the largest global presence of advocacy dedicated to Black businesses around the world, with over 200 chapters around the globe, across 40 states in the U.S. and 50 nations worldwide, with over 100-thousand-member subscribers, and a dynamic array of Fortune 500 corporations, sponsors, partners and collaborators. We are dedicated to economically empowering, sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship, and capitalistic activity within the United States and abroad, via interaction throughout the Black Diaspora. We are on the leading edge of educating and training Black communities on the need to participate in this great capitalist society of global commerce.

The White House U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit will be held on December 13-15, 2022, in Washington, DC to demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa by underscoring the importance of U.S.-Africa relations, increased cooperation on shared global priorities, and mutual interest to improve the global business environment. On the peripheral of this important summit, the National Black Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with the Global Diversity Export Initiative of the International Trade Administration (ITA), U.S. Department of Commerce, to host leaders from across the African continent, thought leaders, and corporates for a Business Forum and Reception. The event will highlight the strong potential for Africa’s Creative Economy to transform the Continent, identify and facilitate dialogue for US engagement in the sector, share success stories and amplify diaspora ties as the US moves it Africa agenda forward. The Forum will be held on December 14th, 2:30pm EST at the Navy Memorial and Heritage Center located at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC.

Some of the benefits participants can expect include:

• The Opportunity to promote your company’s goods or services, minority business development initiatives, and connect with a diverse range of businesses professionals from across the globe (See Host Package).
• The Opportunity to engage in private discussions with project funders and companies looking for partnership opportunities.
• Forge win-win collaborative relationships.
• Learn more about how you can take advantage of the upcoming programs and resources being offered by the NBCC, ITA and our partners.
• Establish the foundation for your successful expansion into the U.S or African markets.
• Receive assistance before, during, and after the event.

INVITED SPEAKERS:

Don Graves | Deputy Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce

Arun Venkatarawan | Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service

Charles DeBow | President, National Black Chamber of Commerce

H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze | Africa Union Ambassador to the United States

Epsy Campbell-Barr | Former Vice President, Costa Rica

Kathi Vidal | Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

Linus Idahosa | CEO, Del York International. Founder and Chairman of the Del York International Group; and President of Africa’s foremost Film and Television Institute; the Del York Creative Academy (DCA).

His company, Del York International Group is the lead developer on a multi-million dollar ultra-modern film city project in Lagos, Nigeria. The project is being undertaken in partnership with the Lagos State Government and construction is set to commence in March 2023.

FASHION DESIGNER:

Afua Sam is the Founder and Creative Director of "A Concept by Afua Sam" and "Studio D'Maxsi Designs," two of the most notable fashion design houses in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Studio D'Maxsi is dedicated to making unique designs for the modern day sexy, classy, funky, chic and modern woman. Afua Sam's designs have been featured in publications such as Essence, DC Luxury, Glamour, C-Hub, and The Washington Post amongst others.

In 2021, Afua was named one of "100 Most Influential Creative People" by C-Hub Magazine in London. In 2019, she was inducted to the "DC Hall of Fame Designers" by DC Fashion Week. She was recently featured on FOX 5 DC News in the Black Panther "Wankanda Forever and African Fashion" segment and in ABC 7 DC News "DC Cultura Fashion Show."

JEWELRY DESIGNER:

Grace Yeboah Ofori, Founder & CEO of TrufacebyGrace, builds a bridge between entrepreneurship and preservation of cultural heritage with her exquisite jewelry and company. Taking inspiration from a wide array of African influences, Grace Yeboah Ofori understands the value of authenticity and excellence. Both stars and Hollywood have also taken notice of her incredible talent, with her pieces being worn by Janet Jackson, featured in the films “Coming to America 2” and the new "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."

EVENT PARKING: USNMF offers discounted parking validation for up to 7 HOURS at the PMI Parking Garage located at 875 D Street, NW (between 8th and 9th Streets). The reduced price is $13.00 per ticket. Parking tickets can be paid for and validated at the Ship’s Store located inside the Naval Heritage Center between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. After 5pm, tickets can be validated at the front desk.

GENERAL ADMISSION: $300 Non-members | $200 NBCC Members

ALL SALES FINAL

HOST PACKAGES AVAILABLE!