Amplifying Africa’s Growth in 2019, the Focus of African Diaspora Network’s Fourth Annual Investment Symposium

Mountain View, CA -- (Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019) — In a 3-day Silicon Valley summit this month, change makers, investment experts, entrepreneurs and thought leaders will highlight the role of the African diaspora to aid in amplifying the continent's growth and abundance in key sectors in 2019.

In a CNN article published in December 2018, writer Kieran Monks cites “ [that] away from the flagship economies, emerging powers and international trends offer the prospect of new success stories.” Monks collaborated with the co-author of 'Africa's Business Revolution” and they share that some of the trends to watch for in 2019 for the continent include: rapid urbanization, ascendant middle powers/mid-size economies, and a closer union of African nations.

Now on its fourth year, the African Diaspora Network (ADN) is hosting the Annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS) on January 24-26, 2019 at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA, from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. This three-day global convening welcomes leaders, innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs who seek to uplift the African continent by building bridges among Africans, global collaborators and friends of Africa.

The event will be held once again in Silicon Valley, the innovation and entrepreneurial capital of the world. The conference aims to inform, engage, and inspire participants to be agents of change and active contributors to Africa's development.

The ADIS symposium is a catalyst for diaspora-driven initiatives and investments with potential to the continent's burgeoning future, as well as a platform to control the narrative about Africa and its thriving startup landscape. Plenary sessions and workshops will focus on Fintech and Financial Inclusion, Investment Exit Strategies and Risk Mitigation, Economic Diversification and implications for Renewable Energy and Agriculture, and, the Critical value of Women Entrepreneurs.

Noteworthy speakers include:
§ Ime Archibong (VP of Product Partnerships, Facebook)

§ Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro (CEO, Global Fund for Women)

§ Osh Agabi (Founder & CEO, Koniku)
§ Jed Emerson (Blended Value and Author of Purpose of Capital)

§ Josh Ghaim (CTO, Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies)

§ Cheryl Jackson (Sr. VP Global Business Development, AAR, Africa Aviation )

“We are very excited about this year's attendee and speaker list as there is an increased participation from the Silicon Valley Tech companies from last year,” said Almaz Negash, Founder of African Diaspora Network. “The undeniable interest in Africa and its diaspora is energizing. This year, we kick off ADIS 2019 with focused sector conversations ranging from impact investment to venture capital and human capital investment, while we look at the big picture on how the diaspora can play a key role in making a positive impact in the continent.”

Last year's symposium attracted more than 300 participants from Africa, Europe, Canada and the United States. Discussion and workshops included Economic and Business Trends, Investment in Education, Science, & Technology, Human Capital Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Investment, among others.

At that event, Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, CEO, Global Fund for Women and ADN Deputy Board chair expressed, “Everytime I am at ADN, I see a new future for Africa. ADN is the place to find talents and boldness of entrepreneurs, the articulate passion and compassion for a continent that deserves be seen and heard in new ways. ADN forums are an experience that no other person can tell you about. You experience it and you know you have arrived at a place where Africans are proud of their talents and confident to be global players offering hospitality to all global citizens to use two days to focus on Africa! '

Since its inception, the African Diaspora Network has galvanized collaboration among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, philanthropists and African diasporans to uplift its local community towards the benefit of Africa. ADN is dedicated to providing virtual and physical forums to accelerate access to resources that foster partnership, knowledge sharing, and advance investment opportunities. “ADN is pulling together the intellectual, social, and financial might of Africans in the diaspora to promote economic development in the African continent and cultivate a community that helps each member grow and prosper, ” affirms Hugh Melotsi, CEO of Ujama and a member of ADN's Board of Directors.

For more information on #ADIS2019 visit: https://www.adis2019.com/

About African Diaspora Network
African Diaspora Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. Our mission to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa. http://www.africandiasporanetwork.org/

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