Author FDA Staff Published: 11/12/2025 The Foundation for Democracy in Africa
AfrICANDO 2025
Where Africa and America Meet
|
|
Where Africa and America Meet
Opening Session: Fred Oladeinde, President, FDA, and Chairman, AGOA CSO Network; Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Chairman, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and Professor Denis K. Kandolo, Rector, Middle Lualaba University (UML), DRC.
Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,
Welcome to AfrICANDO 2025 — Where Africa and America Meet. It is a privilege to open this year’s conference as we gather to strengthen the bonds of trade, investment, and democratic partnership between the United States and Africa.
This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to building bridges across continents, not only through commerce but through values, innovation, and inclusive development. Over the next three days, we will explore the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the foundational role of good governance in unlocking Africa’s promise. Read More.
DOWNLOAD SPEECH HERE
| The Honorable Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Chairman, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) (at podium); Fred Oladeinde, President, FDA, and Chairman, AGOA CSO Network; and James Kohnstamm, Director, Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Miami-Dade County (MDC) |
|
 |
| James Kohnstamm, Director, Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Miami-Dade County (MDC) (on behalf of MDC Mayor, Hon. Daniela Levine Cava) and Fred Oladeinde, FDA. |
|
|
| Prof. Denis K. Kandolo, DRC and Dr. Karl Wright, FDA (left to right) |
|
|
| Members of the GIPC Delegation and a representative from Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC) |
|
|
| Gerard Philippeaux, Executive Director, Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC) addresses partiipants during AfrICANDO. |
|
|
| Transportation and Logistics Roundtable: Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, GIPC, Sonless Martin, PortMiami, and Fred Oladeinde, FDA |
|
|
PortMiami, MIA leaders push for stronger US–Africa trade links during the Transportation and Logistics Roundtable during AfrICANDO
Sonless Martin, representing Global Trade & Business Development at PortMiami, served as a featured panelist during the Transportation & Logistics Roundtable at the Africando 26th Annual U.S.–Africa Trade & Investment Conference and Expo.
Martin joined John Heffernan of Miami International Airport (MIA) in a discussion that brought together port and airport perspectives to explore ways of making cross-border trade faster, safer, and more resilient.
The roundtable focused on how public–private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate trade facilitation across the Americas and Africa by strengthening the connections between ports, airports, and inland logistics hubs. Read More
| Unlocking U.S.-Africa Trade Through Mdc:The Global Gateway To Africa Roundtable: Lawanda Wright, SBD Section Chief, Business Outreach & Education Section, Office of Small Business Development, Miami-Dade County. |
|
|
| Tourism Session: Eric Knowles, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) |
|
|
|
Sudeshna Chatterjee, Senior Global Engagement Officer, ITC; Nusly Alea, Deputy Chief of Staff, ITC; and Fred Oladeinde, President, FDA during AfrICNDO 2025.
|
|
MOGA Gala Awards Dinner
|
Medal of Glory Award
Presented to
The Honorable George Dunlop
and
The Honorable Becky Dunlop
In recognition of a lifetime of exceptional dedication to advancing Liberty, Freedom, and Free Market Principles, we pay tribute to their contributions.
Through visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy, they have shaped public policy that empowers citizens, strengthens democratic governance, and promotes prosperity both in the United States and globally. Their enduring legacy continues to inspire generations committed to the cause of FREEDOM.
|
|
|
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to
Ms. Drucilla “Drew” McKinney
In recognition of more than two decades of exceptional volunteer service to The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) |
|
|
| Pictured left to right: Fred Oladeinde, FDA; Dr. Karl S. Wright, FDA; Drew McKinney, FDA; Hon. Marleine Bastien, Commissioner, Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County, District 2; Dr. Kallia Wright, University of Miami; Anthony Okonmah, Executive Director, FDA (Retired); and Francis Shako, AfricaTrade Development Center. |
|
| MC for the Gala: Dr. Karl S. Wright, Director of Academic Programs and Training, The Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA). |
|
|
| Dr. Kallia Wright, The Honorable Marleine Bastien, Commissioner, Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County; District 2, and MOGA Dinner Guests. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Professor Denis Kandoloa Kakongo, Rector, Middle Lualaba University (UML), DRC presents President Oladeinde with the gift of art during the MOGA Dinner. |
|
|
| Richard Obeng Antwi, Askraf International Company Limited, Ghana |
|
|
| Malick Ndiogou Diaw, Africa Asia Group, Senegal |
|
|
AfrICANDO Delegation Visit Bimini, Bahamas
for
Trade and Investment Outreach
|
|
|
The Honorable Kingsley Smith, Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, and his wife graciously welcomed the AfrICANDO 2025 delegation to the Bahamas for a strategic engagement focused on trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Mr. Evak Arthur, Administrator of Bimini, joined them in receiving the delegation and emphasized the island’s readiness to serve as a gateway for collaboration between the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean.
The distinguished guests leading the delegation included:
- Fred Oladeinde, President of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa and Chair of the AGOA Civil Society Organization Network
- The Honorable Akwasi Opong-Fosu, Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center
This visit represented a pivotal moment in advancing trilateral cooperation among Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. Discussions centered on leveraging Bimini’s strategic location and rich cultural heritage to foster inclusive economic growth, engage the diaspora, and promote sustainable development.
MP Smith reaffirmed the Bahamas’ commitment to strengthening ties with African nations through platforms like AfrICANDO. Meanwhile, Administrator Arthur pledged local support for future initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, tourism, and educational exchange
|
|
|
In a moving tribute to the island’s proud legacy of service, the community of Bimini gathered on Friday, November 7, 2025, to unveil the Veterans Monument, honoring Bahamian men and women who served in the armed forces at home and abroad.
Ms. Evak Arthur, Administrator of Bimini, presided over the event and praised the monument as a symbol of unity, courage, and intergenerational pride. The unveiling featured a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence, and performances by local school choirs and cultural groups.
|
|
|
|
|
| MP Smith and the AfrICANDO Delegation at the Veteran’s Monument in Alice Town. |
|
|
📢 Coming Soon: AfrICANDO 2026
Where Africa and America Meet
Get ready for the premier U.S.–Africa Trade & Investment Conference and Expo
|
|
|
AfrICANDO is a dynamic platform that brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from Africa and the United States. It provides a unique opportunity to foster partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and promote technological innovation between these vibrant regions. With a diverse range of panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions, and an engaging expo, AfrICANDO promises to be an enriching experience for all participants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
