Corporate Leaders Program
Overview
The Presidential Precinct, working in partnership with Axxess, will convene the 2025 Corporate Leaders Program, April 26 – May 4 for 12 business leaders who represent African and Diasporan communities. Together, these leaders will sharpen their business acumen and refine their business models for international trade and investment.
While in Charlottesville, Corporate Leaders share their knowledge and successful ventures with entrepreneurs, international trade specialists, and community members through curated networking and welcome events. The program also features a master class in business and executive leadership presented by the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
Corporate Leaders also attend the Corporate Council on Africa’s U.S-Africa Business Summit, where they connect with decision makers driving bilateral and regional business partnerships. This annual summit convenes 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.
View Photos Meet the 2024 ParticipantsEligibility Criteria
The Presidential Precinct will select twelve CEOs of small to medium sized enterprises to participate in the 2025 Corporate Leaders Program.
The ideal applicant will oversee an enterprise in operation for at least 2 years with 50-200 employees, investing $15-20M USD in bilateral trade or investment in African countries, and generating at least $1.5M USD in annual revenue in 2024. International applicants must be proficient in English and possess a visa to travel to the United States.
We expect applicants to have demonstrated their commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentoring, and to share their passion for tackling the pressing issues in their countries or communities from both a local and global perspective.
Program Highlights
Charlottesville, Virginia
April 26 - May 4, 2025
Community and academic partners at the Presidential Precinct will come together to create a dynamic of week of networking, learning, and community building activities throughout Charlottesville.
Learn About the Darden School of BusinessLuanda, Angola
June 22 – June 25, 2025
The 2025 U.S.-Africa Business Summit will take place in Luanda, Angola. At the 2024 Summit in Dallas, Texas, Corporate Leaders 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 here.
2024 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
Funding
The Corporate Leaders Program is 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