
Who’s Who Amid Business Between US and Africa
Africa is not a nation waiting for rescue or development. This hardy, full-bodied continent was built on adversity and struggle. Just as the seasons play a major role in every area of business and family life, there are a few key African players who are shaping how Africa does business. Some prefer the spotlight, while others stay behind the scenes to broker deals and lead others into lucrative business opportunities. Learning about the key players will help your investment journey.
Akon
Born in the United States to African parents, Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam is better known by his stage name, Akon. This mogul quickly rose to fame as smooth beat rapper, but ensured the world that he was more than an entertainer and producer. His African roots in Senegal continually pulled him toward the progress and enrichment of his people.
Never one to be afraid of controversy, Akon publicly lead efforts to decrease corruption and affect change in areas that matter most to Africans. Simple challenges like obtaining phone credit and sending or receiving money are finally being overcome thanks to the efforts of Akon. He has established a city in Senegal and is launching Akoin, a cryptocurrency that has the potential to even the playing field for African investors regardless of their income level.
Acha Leke
McKinsey and Company is among the most successful and influential global management consulting firms. This US based firm has established itself as a trusted advisor to local and international businesses and organizations since 1926. They continually make mindful and strategic placements to ensure their representatives are in the right place at the right time. Their appointment of Ache Leke as Senior Partner and Chairman of Africa Region has proved to be one of their smartest moves to date.
Acha Leke is an intelligent and cutting edge gentleman who began his tenure with McKinsey as a summer intern and quickly climbed the ranks. His career brought him from South Afria to the Unites States, then back to South Africa. Not one to miss an opportunity, Leke saw undeveloped needs and potential opportunities throughout West Africa and leaped to the scene. He has built impenetrable relationships with local businesses and financial leaders. Leke understands the importance of US business in Africa and has a true understanding of the economic pulse in Africa. These factors position him for untold success and opportunities to create change and business relationships for businesses and individual entrepreneurs.
US Africa Business Center
While there is no single individual to profile here, the United States Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in recent efforts to support business between US and Africa. Current president of the US-Africa Business Center, Scott Eisner has publicly stressed the value in workforce development programs and transferable skills training. The purpose of the Chamber is to produce data and support for equitable growth between US and Africa, but they have influence in other important areas.
The US-Africa Business Center provided cause for the US Presidential cabinet to establish a free trade agreement with Kenya. Studies and data provided to key US lawmakers and African authorities are responsible for setting the stage in another major shift in global economics. African nations are the natural choice for low cost manufacturing and distribution centers. The Chamber wants to ensure that business interests from other nations are tempered against what is best for African communities as these changes come to fruition.