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Black Excellence: Investing in Black-owned Start-Ups is Investing in the Future

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start-ups

By proactively supporting Black-owned start-ups, venture capitalists and investors sow the seeds for a more vibrant and innovative global economy

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) (https://GlobalBlackImpact.com), taking place this November in Dubai, will spotlight the pivotal role venture capital plays in shaping the landscape of Black innovation and entrepreneurship globally. Venture capital, the driving force behind the growth of countless start-ups, ignites the transformative journey from ground-breaking concepts to revolutionary products and services. In recent years, the spotlight has increasingly turned towards Black-owned start-ups and their remarkable contributions to the business world.

Black-Owned Start-Ups: Sparking an Innovation Revolution

Black entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation, challenging norms and injecting fresh perspectives into diverse industries. Take Andela, cofounded by Nigerian entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, as an example. The organization identifies and nurtures software developers across Africa, drawing investments from industry giants like the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Google Ventures, all in a bid to bridge the global tech talent gap. Equally electrifying is PiggyVest, crafted by the dynamic trio of Odunayo Eweniyi, Somto Ifezue and Joshua Chibueze, which is making waves in Nigeria’s fintech realm. This ground-breaking start-up ignites individuals to seize control of their financial destinies with innovative financial solutions. The company’s unique approach has captivated venture capital investors, recognizing the potential to fuel financial inclusion and economic growth.

Access to Venture Capital: Scaling the Summit

While these tales of triumph inspire, they also highlight the unique challenges and opportunities awaiting Black entrepreneurs regarding their venture capital quest. Studies echo the promise of augmented funding in this sphere, fueled by a growing commitment to diversity within the venture capital community and the broadening of access to networks. Pioneers like Black Operator Ventures, emerging in 2021, are shattering barriers as an all-Black founder-led venture capital fund. In Africa, Rising Tide Africa, an angel network, champions women entrepreneurs, channeling investments into women-led ventures. This holistic support, complete with mentorship and guidance, empowers women to surmount hurdles and foster economic growth and innovation across the continent.

Investing in Black-owned start-ups extends beyond social justice: it’s a strategic move towards fostering a more vibrant and innovative global economy

Investor Perspectives: Charting the Course Ahead

Investors and venture capitalists hold the reins in championing #BlackExcellence in Black-owned start-ups, providing a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial frontier. Robert F. Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, is an avid advocate for diversity and inclusion in business. He notes “I started Vista because I knew no private equity firm would hire me. I saw what they were looking for… So, I created my own firm.”

Meanwhile, Qiana Patterson, a venture capitalist, made a remarkable transition from teaching to the world of entrepreneurship. She highlights the resilience of Black women entrepreneurs, stating, “We’re less than 1%, but we’re the most innovative and starting more businesses. It’s difficult because of the numbers, but it’s exciting because we forge ahead regardless; we’ve no limit.”

A Brighter Tomorrow through Investment

Investing in Black-owned start-ups extends beyond social justice: it’s a strategic move towards fostering a more vibrant and innovative global economy. Examples of success include ventures like Flutterwave, a Nigerian fintech company that secured significant investments, and Sendy, a Kenyan delivery service platform that gained traction with venture capital backing. Initiatives and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, such as Rising Tide Africa, are paving the way for a more equitable future on a global scale. By channeling investments into Black-owned start-ups worldwide, we not only drive economic growth and innovation but also contribute to the development of a more inclusive global business community, solidifying a legacy of positive change and progress.

The upcoming GBIS – which is organized by Energy Capital & Power – will highlight how venture capitalists and investors play a pivotal role in championing #BlackExcellence in Black-owned start-ups, providing vital funding, and promoting diversity to uplift underrepresented founders and drive economic growth. The summit connects capital to individuals and businesses, enabling ideas to translate into tangible projects, businesses and opportunities.

Don’t miss your chance to join the global movement championing #BlackExcellence at GBIS 2023, slated for November 30 to December 1, 2023, in Dubai. Secure your participation today at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com to be part of this transformative event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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