Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry - AICCI

28/11/2025

✨ OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT | APPOINTMENT & CONGRATULATIONS ✨🌍

The Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr K Ravi Acharya as the Regional Director for the Southern Asian Region.

Prof. Dr. K. Ravi Acharya currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Myles Leadership University, India, and is widely recognized as a distinguished academic leader with an extraordinary record in education, global engagement, leadership development, and international collaboration.

With a career marked by excellence, Dr. Acharya brings a multifaceted academic and leadership portfolio that positions him uniquely for this vital role. He holds advanced qualifications including a Master of Technology (M.Tech), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in various fields. His intellectual depth is further reflected in several honorary doctorates—ranging from Human Psychology to Business Management, and a recognized expertise in Gandhian philosophy, peace, and humanity.

Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Acharya has cultivated a strong global presence. His fluency in multiple Indian and European languages, combined with significant exposure across African and Asian academic ecosystems, strengthens his ability to drive cross-cultural understanding, regional integration, and strategic partnerships—all essential pillars for AICCI’s mission in the Southern Asian region.

His extensive experience as a visiting advisor, faculty member, consultant, and global speaker demonstrates his long-standing commitment to international cooperation, capacity building, and economic empowerment. These attributes directly align with AICCI’s commitment to advancing commerce, industry, innovation, and sustainable development across continents.

As Regional Director, Prof. Dr. K. Ravi Acharya will play a pivotal role in expanding AICCI’s footprint in Southern Asia, fostering stronger trade and investment linkages, and building institutional relationships that promote prosperity between Africa and Asia.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Dr. K. Ravi Acharya on this well-deserved appointment.
We look forward to the transformative impact his leadership will bring to the Chamber and the region.

Welcome to the AICCI Leadership Circle, Dr. Acharya! 🌏🤝🌍

06/07/2025

Following the 4th Africa SME Roundtable event on margins of Afreximbank Annual Meetings recently held in Abuja, the All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises, AAASME, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Africa International Chamber of Commerce &Industry, AICCI, unveiled Continental SME Fund, ‘Ubuntu-Susu’, to launch SMEs in Africa from millions into billions of Dollars businesses.

Read more below 👇

…we’re set to drive $3.6 trillion AFCFTA economy – Dr Eradiri By Gabriel Ewepu ABUJA – FOLLOWING the 4th Africa SME Roundtable event on margins of Afreximbank Annual Meetings recently held in Abuja, the All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises, AAASME, Securities and Exchange ...

21/05/2025

In a powerful display of international collaboration and future-focused development, the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) has successfully led a high-powered delegation of African construction industry CEOs to the prestigious Changsha International Construction Equipment Exhibition (CICEE)—one of the world’s largest showcases of cutting-edge construction machinery and innovation

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Changsha In a powerful display of international collaboration and future-focused development, the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) has successfully led a high-powered delegation of African construction industry CEOs to the prestigious Changsha International Construction....

09/04/2025

In a significant move to enhance economic collaboration between Africa and Eurasia, the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) and Africa-Azerbaijan Cooperation (AFAZ) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

The MoU establishes a strategic framework for joint efforts aimed at deepening commercial ties, creating business opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth across both regions. The partnership signifies a shared commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and mutual prosperity.

Under the agreement, AICCI and AFAZ will collaborate in key areas including:
• Trade and Investment Promotion: Facilitating business matchmaking opportunities, trade missions, and investment forums to connect African and Azerbaijani enterprises.
• Business Networking and Collaboration: Hosting joint business forums, trade exhibitions, and networking events to encourage partnerships and sectoral collaboration.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through training programs, knowledge-sharing platforms, and technical expertise.
• Regulatory Support and Market Access: Providing businesses with market intelligence, guidance on regulatory compliance, and investment facilitation services.
• Joint Ventures and Strategic Initiatives: Encouraging cooperation in high-impact sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital transformation.

To ensure smooth implementation of the MoU, a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) will be established. This committee will oversee progress, facilitate regular consultations, and identify emerging opportunities for deeper collaboration. Annual review meetings will be held to assess progress and refine strategies.

“This partnership is a significant step toward building lasting economic bridges between Africa and Azerbaijan,” said Dr. Mark G. Darko, President of the chamber . “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will unlock for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors on both sides.”

Representatives from AFAZ echoed this sentiment, noting that the agreement aligned with their mission to expand Azerbaijan’s economic outreach and foster inclusive development through international partnerships.

The MoU will remain in effect for a mutually agreed period, with provisions for renewal and termination by either party upon formal notice. While non-binding, the agreement reflects the strong mutual interest in transforming words into action through tangible cooperation.

This strategic alliance is expected to generate cross-border opportunities, fuel innovation, and serve as a model for future collaborations between African institutions and global partners.

31/12/2024

End-of-Year Message from the President of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry

As 2024 draws to a close, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude reflecting on the extraordinary milestones we have achieved together. The AICCI continues to lead with purpose, shaping Africa’s economic transformation and advancing our continent’s integration into the global economy.

This year, a defining highlight was our collaboration with the African Union Commission, which led to our sponsored invitation and impactful participation at the 15th Private Sector Forum in Lusaka, Zambia. Our strategic proposal on leveraging domestic resources for green energy financing was adopted as a key recommendation, demonstrating the Chamber’s pivotal role in influencing transformative policies for Africa.

We also played a prominent role in the Africa Celebrates event in Addis Ababa and contributed significantly at the joint IOM and African Union workshop in Johannesburg. These platforms enabled us to champion groundbreaking continental policies on migration and labor issues, underscoring our commitment to addressing critical human development challenges.

On the global stage, we strengthened our engagement by signing several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prestigious trade organizations and chambers of commerce worldwide. These partnerships are unlocking unprecedented opportunities for African businesses to access international markets, scale operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

We also collaborated with the Europe Trade Summit organizers to co-host a summit in Estonia, albeit virtually. The summit served as a platform to deepen global trade relations and advocate for Africa’s inclusion in international economic dialogues.

Another major achievement was our invitation to join the Africa Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC) under the Africa Think Tank Platform Project—a landmark five-year initiative supported by a $50 million financing agreement between the African Union and the World Bank. This initiative aims to harmonize policy research across Africa in alignment with the AU’s Agenda 2063, tackling critical themes such as economic transformation, climate change, food security, and digitalization. Our appointment as a key member of this committee is a resounding testament to AICCI’s leadership in driving thought and policy innovation across the continent.

As we step into 2025, I am inspired by the resilience, passion, and dedication of our members and partners. The achievements of 2024 energize us to build on this momentum with even greater determination. Together, we will empower African businesses to innovate, thrive, and position Africa as a global economic powerhouse.

Let us move forward with courage, collaboration, and belief in the transformative power of trade, investment, and partnership.

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to our shared vision. Here’s to a prosperous and impactful 2025!

Warm regards

23/12/2024

Happy Festive Season to all our noble members and partners!

22/11/2024

🌍✨ At the recently concluded Africa Celebrates event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Chairman of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) HE Brig. Gen Dr Wallace Williams and the Global President, Dr. Mark Darko had the incredible privilege to attend as Special Guests and to address African business leaders, traditional leaders, diplomats, and politicians at the iconic Mandela Hall in the headquarters of the African Union.

The discussions were profound, focusing on critical African economic issues and the much-needed recognition and integration of traditional leadership into modern governance frameworks.

It was also an amazing opportunity to connect and engage with these prominent decision-makers who are shaping Africa’s future.

A special thank you to the organizers of the Africa Celebrates event, particularly Lexy Mojo-Eyes and his remarkable team, and to the African Union for providing such a significant platform for impactful dialogue.

Together, we continue to chart a path towards a united, prosperous Africa. 🌟

04/11/2024

During the second and third days of the 15th African Union High-Level Summit in Lusaka, it was an honor to see the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, especially our esteemed Global Chairman, HE Brig. Gen. Dr. Wallace Williams, take a leading role in the panel discussions. The B2B sessions introduced us to remarkable startups poised for growth, cross-border expansion, and investment. The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit displayed—especially by the young innovators pitching their ideas—left us deeply inspired. Our Chamber is committed to supporting such ambitious ventures. To cap it all, the African Union awarded certificates of appreciation to both our Chairman and to me, as Global President of the Chamber, in recognition of our contributions as speakers and panelists at the summit.

03/11/2024

Day one of the 15th High Level AU Private Sector Forum unfolded beautifully in the vibrant city of Lusaka, Zambia! In a significant step toward building stronger partnerships with the African Union, the Africa International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AICCI) was honored to participate as special guests. Under the leadership of HE Amb. Dr. Brig. General Wallace Williams and Dr. Mark G. Darko, AICCI leaders took part in key discussions addressing Africa’s economic future. Topics ranged from rerouting Africa’s borrowing to boost the manufacturing sector, creating an interoperable cryptocurrency payment and remittance system, and setting up business-friendly capital markets that empower SMEs.

Our team contributed insights on innovative financing models to foster a green energy transition that supports sustainable climate adaptation, as well as the potential of transforming Africa’s mineral resources to stimulate private sector growth. These discussions, along with others on enhancing financial tools and supporting Africa’s industries, reflect a shared vision for economic resilience and self-sufficiency. We’re hugely inspired by the momentum and look forward to more transformative discussions in Lusaka!

22/09/2024

Kwame Nkrumah (born September 1909, Nkroful, Gold Coast [now Ghana]—died April 27, 1972, Bucharest, Romania) was a Ghanaian nationalist leader who led the Gold Coast’s drive for independence from Britain and presided over its emergence as the new nation of Ghana. He headed the country from independence in 1957 until he was overthrown by a coup in 1966.

Happy Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day

03/09/2024

We are delighted to welcome Sanya L. Weston as the new CEO of the Michigan Chapter of the Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI)! 🎉 With a dynamic career spanning over 35 years in the tourism and international business sectors, Ms. Weston brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience to the AICCI, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future under her leadership.

Sanya L. Weston is a recognized leader and innovator, renowned for her expertise in international business development, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. As the CEO of Your Premier Travel Service, Detroit’s oldest African-American-owned travel agency, and the founder of the nonprofit Young People Travel Global Edge, Ms. Weston has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to building bridges across communities and creating opportunities for growth and success.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/aicci-ghana_aicci-appoints-sanya-l-weston-as-michican-activity-7236655930405249024-A7wT