Corporate Leaders Program
Overview
The Presidential Precinct, working in partnership with Axxess, convened the Corporate Leaders Program, April 29 – May 9, 2024 for 12 business leaders who represent African and Diasporan communities. Together, leaders shared knowledge and successful ventures as models for bilateral trade, investment, and professional exchange.
Corporate Leaders Program participants sharpen their business acumen and engage entrepreneurs and innovators at the Presidential Precinct. 2024 participants concluded their program in Dallas, Texas, where they attended the Corporate Council on Africa’s flagship conference – the U.S-Africa Business Summit.
View Photos Meet the Participants2024 participants
Mr. Helio Cumbi
Director, Africa and International Finance Institutions
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Mozambique
Ms. Agang K. Ditlhogo
Co-Founder
The Clicking Generation
Botswana
Ms. Olawunmi Ilesanmi
Founder & CEO
3lcinovate Energy Ltd.
Nigeria
Ms. Ndia Magadagela
Co-Founder & CEO
Everlectric
South Africa
Mr. Deshan Naidoo
Managing Director
Afrivolt
South Africa
Mr. Olusegun Odunaiya
Founder & CEO
Havenhill Synergy Ltd.
Nigeria
Mr. Jacob Ouma
Co-Founder & Director
AdMedia Communications Ltd.
Kenya
Ms. Bamidele Owoola
Founder & CEO
Welcome2Africa International
Nigeria
2024 Program
Charlottesville
April 29 - May 3
While in Charlottesville, participants met with entrepreneurs, international trade specialists, and other community members through curated networking and welcome events. May 1-3 they engaged in a master class in business and executive leadership presented by faculty at the University of Virginia, a partner of the Presidential Precinct.
Dallas
May 4 - May 9
2024 Participants attended the Corporate Council on Africa’s U.S.-Africa Business Summit, joining more than 1,500 U.S. and African public and private sector executives including Heads of State, international investors, U.S. and African government officials, and multilateral stakeholders.
Through participation in the Summit, participants connected with decision makers to drive U.S.-Africa sustainable business partnerships. They also led a panel discussion, titled: From Hustle to Million Dollar Businesses: The Unfolding Story of African Entrepreneurs. View a full recording of that panel discussion below.
Funding
The 2024 Corporate Leaders Program was made possible by a generous gift from John Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, a leading home healthcare technology company in North America; Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited, a diversified holding and investment company with interests in technology, agriculture, hospitality, fintech, energy and other sectors; and Board member at the Presidential Precinct. Mr. Olajide is chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa Board of Directors, building on two years of service as Vice Chair.
Meet John Olajide