Diaspora Africa Conference

Get ready for an exciting in-person gathering celebrating the vibrant culture, innovation, and spirit of the African diaspora. Connect with fellow changemakers, explore fresh ideas, and be part of powerful conversations that matter. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to network, learn, and grow together!

Info: DAY 1 – WELCOME & POWER NETWORKING RECEPTION

Wednesday, February 25 | 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Venue: Thompson Hotel Houston (Bar & Poolside) 1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019

Agenda:

4:00–5:00 PM – VIP Pre-Reception: Private meet-and-greet for sponsors, speakers, and government dignitaries.

5:00–5:15 PM – Opening Remarks: Welcome message from Conference Chair & Houston City Representative.

5:15–5:45 PM – Keynote Fireside Chat:
“The Power of Diaspora Capital: Building Africa’s Next Economy.”

5:45–6:15 PM – Cultural Fusion Showcase: African spoken word, and live Afrobeats-Jazz performance.

6:15–7:00 PM – Dinner Service Begins & networking icebreakers.

7:00–7:30 PM – Diaspora Impact Feature:
5-minute film + testimonials: “From Houston to Home: Diaspora Entrepreneurs Investing in Africa.”

7:30–8:00 PM – Speed Networking Session: Color-coded badges by industry (Tech, Energy, Health, Finance, Creative, Policy).

8:00–8:15 PM – Closing Toast: “The Diaspora Pledge” – unity moment

Info: DIASPORA AFRICA WORKSHOPS

Thursday 26th February, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The ION 4201 Main Street Houston Texas 77002

WORKSHOP DAY: “Investing in Africa’s Next Frontier”

Attendees choose one of five concurrent sessions:

8:30 – 10:00 AM Investor & Trade Breakfast – Roundtable with VCs, government reps, and private sector leaders.

9:00 – 12:00 PM

SESSION 1: Invest in Zanzibar: Blue Economy & Tourism Innovation - Embassy of Tanzania, DC

Focus: Coastal investment opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and the ocean economy — exploring Zanzibar’s growing global brand and sustainable travel sector.

SESSION 2: Invest in Ghana: Heritage Meets Opportunity - Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC).

Focus: Real estate, agribusiness, and creative industry ventures, especially for diasporans returning or seeking to build in the “Year of Return” legacy economy.

SESSION 3: Invest in Kenya: “Gateway to East Africa’s Tech & Trade Hub - Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA)

Info: MAIN CONFERENCE DAY

Friday, February 27 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The ION 4201 Main Street Houston Texas 77002

Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM):

9:00 – 9:30 AM – Opening Ceremony: Invocation, Welcome Remarks - Queen Uche - CEO Uche Foundation, CA

9:30 – 10:00 AM – Keynote Address: “

Speaker: Dr. Reginald DesRoches - President of Rice University, TX

10:00 – 11:00 AM

African Culture & Identity Panel

Topic: “Redefining the African Identity: From Roots to Renaissance”

Moderator: Dr. Judith Anderson - Co-chair Black, Race, and Ethnic Studies initiative across the City University of New York’s 25 college system.

Panelists:

Junious Whitaker - Howard University, DC

Chevelle Dixon - Founder Pan African Solutions, NY

Ijeoma Anadu-Okoli - CEO Umu Igbo Unite, TX

11:00 – 11:20 AM

Keynote Address:“The Decade of the Diaspora: Africa’s Path to Economic Transformation.”

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Managing Director & CEO, Zenith Bank PLC

11:20 – 11:55 AM

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