The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024 convened in Dubai on February 27, uniting influential voices from across the globe to celebrate leadership and innovation within the Black community under the theme “Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity.” Organized by the Black Impact Foundation and Energy Capital and Power, with a lead sponsorship by Afreximbank, the summit aimed to foster diversity, establish enduring partnerships, and ignite inspiration among the younger generation.

Minister of Economy and Labor Jason Hayward of Bermuda inaugurated the summit with a message centered on collective progress, emphasizing the importance of uplifting the entire community. Clarence Seedorf, Chairman of the Black Impact Foundation, underscored the need for unity and Black excellence in his welcome remarks.

The event featured panel discussions spanning various sectors of the economy, including finance, sports, fashion, energy, and entrepreneurship. These sessions highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by the Black community worldwide, emphasizing themes of perseverance, determination, and collaboration.

At the gala dinner, British-Congolese comedian Eddie Kadi served as the MC, presiding over an award ceremony that honored black leaders. NJ Ayuk, chairman of the African Energy Chamber, received the Trailblazer Award for his visionary leadership in the energy sector. Sabrina Ben Salmi, transformative mentor, was honored with the Visionary Award for her groundbreaking contributions to family and personal development. Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, received the Impact Award for his pivotal role in basketball and youth development in Africa. Former professional basketball player Luol Deng was awarded the Legacy Award.

GBIS concluded with an auction of artworks by American artist Sage Gallon, accompanied by a live performance. The auction aimed to raise funds for the Black Impact Foundation.

Clarence Seedorf expressed his optimism for the future of Black excellence, stating, “GBIS serves as a transformative tool to convey our message and inspire future generations of black leaders; the diversity among speakers and attendees is a testament to our collective strength.”

GBIS stands as a platform to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and promote equality within the global Black community. Through inspiring discussions and recognizing exemplary individuals, the summit reaffirmed the commitment to advancing Black excellence and leadership worldwide.

The Black Excellence Foundation announced the recipients of four prestigious awards presented at the Global Black Impact Summit Gala Dinner on February 27th.

Recognizing exceptional individuals who have made contributions to their respective fields, these awards celebrate black excellence and leadership on a global scale.

Trailblazer Award recipient NJ Ayuk, chairman of the African Energy Chamber, exemplifies visionary leadership and innovation in the energy sector, inspiring future African leaders. “Receiving this award marks a significant milestone for me. While I’ve prioritized impact over recognition, I’m grateful for this honor,” expressed Ayuk.

Sabrina Ben Salmi, acclaimed author and transformative mentor, received the Visionary Award for her groundbreaking contributions to family and personal development. “If this award can inspire just one child out there, it’s a tremendous achievement,” remarked Ben Salmi.

Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, was awarded the Impact Award for his pivotal contributions to basketball and youth development in Africa.

“Today’s summit has been filled with inspiring voices. We’re dedicated to collaborating and leveraging sports to propel black excellence,” Fall affirmed.

Former professional basketball player Luol Deng was the recipient of the Legacy Award for his outstanding contributions on and off the court, with Fall accepting on his behalf. “After 20 years, Deng returned to South Sudan, spearheading basketball development. He’s truly exceptional,” Fall stated.

The Global Black Impact Summit serves as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for the global Black community, celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and promoting equality.

Clarence Seedorf, President of the Black Excellence Foundation, expressed his excitement about the future achievements of the award recipients, stating, “These exceptional leaders embody the spirit of black excellence, and I look forward to witnessing their continued impact on our community.”

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The power of Black excellence in sports and fashion came to the fore during two panel discussions at the Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024 – held in Dubai on February 27. Speakers emphasized how these industries strengthen communities’ worldwide as well as the importance of inclusion and diversity.

The sports and fashion panel, moderated by Alycia Powell, Founder of Champions for Impact, emphasized the role of Black athletes in driving societal change while uniting communities worldwide.

Speaking on the panel, Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, highlighted the transformative potential of sports, stating, “Sport has always been a space to convey ideas to change the world.” Fall emphasized the importance of leveraging sports to benefit communities and empower youth, citing examples like Luol Deng’s basketball federation in Africa, which creates jobs, infrastructure, and entertainment opportunities.

Echoing these remarks, Sara Rehane, Founder of Africa FC, stressed the significance of amplifying the success stories of African football players, noting figures like Didier Drogba, who used their platform to advocate for peace and unity.

Meanwhile, in the fashion panel – moderated by Mayowa Adegoke, International Journalist and Speaker – speakers discussed the importance of representation and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry. Jefferson Osey, Co-founder and CEO of Daily Paper, highlighted the connection between clothing and identity, stating, “Clothing affects representation, and what you like is connected to who you are as a person.” Osey underscored the importance of creating platforms for Black voices and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Additionally, Thando Magumise, Founder of Ntombi Couture Dubai, emphasized the business aspect of fashion, urging entrepreneurs to take their ventures seriously and protect their intellectual property from the start. Magumise also stressed the role of fashion in identity and heritage, advocating for the creation of Black-owned businesses to address issues of diversity and wealth distribution.

Both panels highlighted the significant contributions of Black individuals in sports and fashion, not only as athletes and designers but also as agents of change within their communities and beyond.

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) on Tuesday featured panel discussions on Media Representation, Marketing and Storytelling and Nurturing Future Leaders – Empowering Black Youth for Excellence. The sessions provided insight into the role media and education play in advancing inclusivity worldwide.

During the media panel, speakers explored the impact representation has on perceptions of the global Black community as well as the various ways to promote positive narratives and authentic storytelling. Allié Merrick McGuire, Founder of AwareNow Media, drew awareness to and called for brands to think carefully about their communication surrounding diversity and inclusiveness.

“We need to be careful about the checking of boxes … because if we are doing something just to check a box, then we are not doing it the right way,” McGuire stated.

Rania Rostom, former Head of Global Marketing & Communications at GE, said that companies need to “start with making sure we are driving the right priorities within the company … communicators and marketers have a huge responsibility to bring that ‘outside voice’ back into the company.”

Sharing her experience in producing television and movies, Bree West, Executive Producer at OCTET Productions said that “it is our responsibility to not just go, but to go and to share. The next generation should be better than us. We can open the door to very guarded avenues [in the entertainment industry]. If the door closes, we open a window.”

Adding to these remarks, Arno Peperkoorn, Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom, highlighted the power of leadership to make change happen. “It starts with leadership and humanity. Our industry needs to sell products to the audience. If the audience consists of different people with different backgrounds, that’s what your product should reflect.”

Meanwhile, the future leaders panel highlighted the role of education in economic advancement and wealth creation, with speakers discussing initiatives that focus on improving access to quality education and skills development within the Black community.

Moderator Lashai Ben Salmi, Cultural Connectivity Specialist and Content Creator, opened the session by stating: “When we connect culturally, through our stories and ideas, we can reshape tomorrow. We are our stories and ideas.”

Discussing institutions in the global north, Pravini Baboeram, Co-founder of 7th Gen Creatives, stated that “it is all about understanding power relationships and not allowing those institutions the power that they think they have over you.” She urged people to keep talking with institutions and to work with funding organizations to help them understand how to be more inclusive.

Wilma Gillis-Burleson, Board Member of the Black Impact Foundation also touched on the importance of working with institutions. “Once you are in, you have to help to change these organizations, open up their minds, give them new perspectives.” She talked of the ability to use mentorship to build confidence in the next generation of leaders. “Once you are self-confident you know you can go in, ask the questions and find your own path.”

Tray Sean Ben Salmi, Founder of Influencer Publishing and Financial Education for Teens, spoke of the importance of financial literacy and using the resources available to you, stating that one should “Create an environment that nurtures the inquisitiveness of children so that they never lose it.”

Additionally, Mary Mugo, CEO of Edukans Kenya, focused on education and developing the curriculum. According to Mugo, “It has to be informed by the contextual needs … it has to be participatory in nature. Education must be seen as a continuum, from foundational to all levels.”

At the Global Black Impact Summit in Dubai on February 27, a panel discussion on energy transition, moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, focused on Africa’s pivotal position in the global energy arena. The dialogue commenced with an exchange between Ayuk and Energy Analyst Amena Bakr.

“In energy, we have to tell our own story,” stated Bakr, highlighting the need for African countries to assert their right to develop renewable energy resources while balancing concerns about oil and gas exploitation. She pointed out the disparity in emissions between more developed countries and Africa, where only 3% of global emissions originate.

Ayuk steered the discussion by posing questions on inclusion, energy transition, financing and youth training, setting the stage for panelists to share insights and perspectives.

“At Triple A Petroleum, we recognize the gender disparities in South Sudan’s oil industry,” said Atong Amos, CEO of Triple A Petroleum. “We need collective leadership to empower black women and bridge the gender gap.” Amos shared initiatives to mentor women entrepreneurs across various African countries and stressed the importance of lifting sanctions to attract investment and unlock opportunities in South Sudan.

“AMEA Power is committed to investing in renewable energy in West Africa,” highlighted Barbro Ciakudia, Senior Manager at AMEA Power. “Community engagement and local empowerment are integral to our approach.” Ciakudia underscored Africa’s potential to drive its energy transition, citing the example of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s abundant mineral resources.

Olakunle Williams, CEO of Tetracore Energy Group, emphasized the need for human capacity development and collaboration between the public and private sectors. “We must harness Africa’s natural resources for energy development,” stated Williams. He called for investment from the diaspora and incentives to attract investors to drive the continent’s energy transition.

David Ampofo, CEO of Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber, stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing energy poverty and promoting local content in Africa’s energy sector. “We need platforms to engage youth and share experiences,” said Ampofo, advocating for sustainable energy solutions.

The panel discussion concluded with a consensus on the critical role of diversity, collaboration, and empowerment in shaping Africa’s energy future and driving the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

Pan-African supranational multilateral financial institution African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) will participate at the Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), taking place on February 27th in Dubai, as a platinum sponsor.

The participation of Afreximbank at GBIS 2024 as a platinum sponsor underscores the institution’s commitment to driving diversity and inclusivity in global sustainable development and in empowering Black communities worldwide.

GBIS – hosted by the Black Impact Foundation and organized by Energy Capital and Power – is an annual event that seeks to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, promote excellence, and explore untapped potential across various fields. This year’s summit is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities that empower attendees to reach new heights. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Taking place under the theme ‘Black Excellence: The Untapped Potential to Unite our Global Economy’ GBIS 2024 will highlight the role of financial institutions such as Afreximbank in unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs, projects, innovative business cases, businesses and individuals from the Black community in driving global excellence.

As the trade finance bank for Africa, Afreximbank has positioned itself as the continent’s leading financier and partner for consistent economic growth, diversification and sustainable growth. The bank provides African projects, and public and private sector entities with crucial funding required for economic resilience and innovation.

In the energy sector, Afreximbank is driving the sustainable exploration, development, exploitation, monetization and management of the continent’s vast energy resources including oil and gas for energy poverty eradication. Partnering with Africa’s leading oil and gas firms and critical projects, Afreximbank is facilitating the continent’s energy poverty eradication agenda.

In 2022, the bank signed an agreement with the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber, to collaborate on capacity building, advocacy and financing of African companies and infrastructure projects in the energy sector. Notable financing for African energy projects awarded by Afreximbank include $3.3 billion to help the Nigerian National Petroleum Company strengthen operations. The bank is also providing funding for large-scale projects and companies including Oil Senegal, Oando PLC, Nigeria’s Ansippa and Oilfield Limited.

The bank is also advancing Africa’s healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, manufacturing and various sectors of the economy through the provision of capital and technical assistance.

At GBIS, high level panel discussions and exhibitions will showcase the critical role played by institutions such as Afreximbank in shaping Black Excellence, unlocking the full potential of Black entrepreurship, transforming Black communities and in shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector.

A flagship panel discussion at the Global Black Impact Summit 2024 in Dubai unpacked the dynamics of black wealth and business building. Diana Matroos, journalist and radio host in the Netherlands, moderated the session, working with a diverse group of highly experienced panelists to work on the challenges for the black business community and expose opportunities and pathways forward.

The panel, titled Building Black Wealth: Exploring the Power and Potential of Black Entrepreneurship, featured Dr Betty Uribe, Former Managing Director, JPMorgan Chase, Author and United Nations Ambassador for Peace & Human Rights; Joel Nzali, Co-Founding Partner and Board President, Batsela Holding Group; Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr., Founder, Botho Emerging Markets Group and Head of Middle East and Africa, Propagate Content; and Mako Nyakotyo, Operations Executive, DMCC Coffee Centre.

Following this session, Black Impact Foundation Chairman Clarence Seedorf interviewed Khaled Al Muhairy, owner of Evolvence Group, in a wide-ranging discussion on investment and sports.

On the theme of building black wealth and nurturing entrepreneurs, Dr. Uribe emphasized the importance of values and how much can be achieved in a short time. She gave particular importance to the value of ‘champions’ for entrepreneurs starting out: “We need champions. A mentor will help you on your way. A champion will stake their reputation on you. You want to get together with champions. They may or may not be in your community.”

Nzali examined the challenges facing businesses – naming access to capital as by far the top issue: “[Many] people would not like to expose themselves to African countries, for example, because they don’t know what can happen. Many have misconceptions … they talk to me about all types of risk but fail to see the potential.”

Nyakotyo opened by talking about the importance of building your personal brand: “It’s very difficult to break the barriers here, the best you can do is to work on yourself.” He went on to discuss the importance of more experienced entrepreneurs assisting and nurturing aspiring businesspeople: “We really need to have more and more mentorship programs, that is also missing. We also have to learn from each other.”

Kwaku focused on encouraging collaboration within the community: “Nobody will support black entrepreneurs if we don’t support them.” He pointed to the critical work to be done on processing and operations in building African businesses that can sustainably scale. “The middle is the work,” he said. Though people will be drawn to the professions such as law and medicine, we also need to focus on optimization, processing and operations, “to produce things that matter.”

In Seedorf’s on-stage interview with Muhairy, the Emirati businessman discussed sport as a powerful tool for outreach and engagement, and new technologies as a driving force in Africa’s growth. “Education was a challenge, now with Starlink and internet technologies we can download a whole curriculum. If Africa focuses on education, we will see a lot of advancement,” he said. “We need platforms where we can see talent. It is very hard in a transit city like Dubai … The best way to get Africa out there is in technology. It is easy wealth creation and distribution of wealth.”

There is a need for inspirational leaders who can guide the global Black community during times of crisis, Bermuda’s Minister of Economy and Labor Jason Hayward stated during the opening of Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) on February 27 in Dubai.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister Hayward emphasized the importance of collective progress, stating, “True liberation and empowerment can only be achieved through collective progress. We must find a way to uplift the entire community.”

The government of Bermuda has taken proactive measures to tackle systemic challenges, with Minister Hayward citing concrete examples such as the significant reduction in youth unemployment from 33% to 11%. The administration has also been committed to increasing social and labor protections, implementing minimum wage laws, and making strategic investments in housing and healthcare.

“These efforts reflect Bermuda’s steadfast dedication to fostering inclusive growth and prosperity for all its citizens, especially within the Black community,” explained Minister Hayward.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Minister Hayward shared key lessons learned, including the importance of leading from the front, establishing clear visions, and building highly motivated teams. He emphasized the need to trust team members and focus on continuous development while upholding principles.

“Together, let us rise, let us celebrate. It is not just a dream; it is a reality. Let us never lose sight of justice and equality”, concluded Minister Hayward.

Clarence Seedorf, Chairman of the Black Impact Foundation – host of GBIS 2024 -, echoed Minister Hayward’s sentiments, stressing the significance of excellence within the global Black community.

He emphasized the need to bring back collective value, stating, “We create our own platform and share it to the next generation. That is the blueprint that has made us successful, but we need to work together.”

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024 will kick off in just one day at the Address Sky View Dubai, bringing together influential leaders, game-changers and visionaries from across the globe for a day of diversity and inspiration.

This year’s theme, Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity, promises to ignite discussions that will shape the future of our communities and the world at large.

GBIS – hosted by the Black Impact Foundation (BIF) and organized by Energy Capital and Power – is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of the Black community, promotes excellence, and explores untapped potential across various fields. This year’s summit – taking place on February 27, 2024, in Dubai – is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions and networking opportunities. To find out more, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

With a line-up of dynamic panel discussions, insightful sessions and unparalleled networking opportunities, GBIS 2024 is not to be missed. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding innovator or a passionate advocate for change, there is something for everyone at this transformative event.

From breaking barriers in entrepreneurship to shaping the future of the energy sector, from amplifying Black voices in the media to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, GBIS 2024 will delve into the most pressing issues facing our community and chart a course toward a more diverse and inclusive future.

Furthermore, as the countdown reaches its final day, attendees can look forward to GBIS 2024’s exclusive Gala Dinner, where philanthropist, former footballer and Chairman of the BIF Clarence Seedorf will deliver inspiring remarks. Seamlessly blending glamour with purpose, the Gala Dinner offers unparalleled networking opportunities, uniting industry leaders and visionaries to form collaborations that drive meaningful change.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate Black Excellence and Diversity, cultivate unity and connect with movers and shakers from across the globe.

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