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LEVERAGE: Speakers unanimous about the imperative to play a critical role towards ensuring diversity, collaboration and empowerment in shaping Africa’s future…
By WSAM Correspondent
DUBAI, UAE – The power of Black excellence in sports, energy, media and fashion has been heralded in strengthening communities worldwide as well as fostering inclusivity and diversity.
This was the resonant message at the Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) 2024 held in Dubai on Tuesday, when speakers highlighted the significant contributions of Black individuals in sports, energy, media and fashion, not only as practitioners, entrepreneurs, athletes and designers, but also as agents of change within their communities and beyond.
The event was organised by Energy Capital & Power Energy, Africa’s leading investment platform for the energy sector.
A sports panel at the summit, moderated by Alycia Powell, Founder of Champions for Impact, emphasised the role of Black athletes in driving societal change while uniting communities worldwide.
Speaking on the panel, Amadou Gallo Fall, president of the Basketball Africa League, highlighted the transformative potential of sports, adding: “Sport has always been a space to convey ideas to change the world.”
Fall reiterated the importance of leveraging sports to benefit communities and empower youth, citing examples like Luol Deng’s basketball federation in Africa, which created jobs, infrastructure, and entertainment opportunities.
Echoing these remarks, Sara Rehane, founder of Africa FC, stressed the significance of amplifying the success stories of African football players, noting figures like Didier Drogba, who used their platform to advocate for peace and unity.
Meanwhile, in the fashion panel – moderated by international journalist and speaker Mayowa Adegoke – speakers discussed the importance of representation and entrepreneurship in the fashion industry.
Jefferson Osey, Co-founder and CEO of Daily Paper, highlighted the connection between clothing and identity, adding: “Clothing affects representation, and what you like is connected to who you are as a person.”
Osey underscored the importance of creating platforms for Black voices and leaving a legacy for future generations.
Focusing on the business aspect of fashion, Thando Magumise, Founder of Ntombi Couture Dubai, urged entrepreneurs to take their ventures seriously and protect their intellectual property from the start. She also stressed the role of fashion in identity and heritage, advocating for the creation of Black-owned businesses to address issues of diversity and wealth distribution.
A highlight at the event was the naming of four recipients of prestigious awards by the Black Excellence Foundation. The awards are in recognition of exceptional individuals who have made sterling contributions to their respective fields, shoring up black excellence and leadership on a global scale.
Trailblazer award recipient NJ Ayuk, chairman of the African Energy Chamber, was cited for exemplifying visionary leadership and innovation in the energy sector and for inspiring future African leaders.
“Receiving this award marks a significant milestone for me. While I’ve prioritised impact over recognition, I’m grateful for this honor,” expressed Ayuk. Sabrina Ben Salmi, acclaimed author and transformative mentor, received “the Visionary Award” for her ground-breaking contributions to family and personal development.
“If this award can inspire just one child out there, it’s a tremendous achievement,” remarked Ben Salmi.
Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, received “the Impact Award” for his pivotal contributions to basketball and youth development in Africa.
“Today’s summit has been filled with inspiring voices. We’re dedicated to collaborating and leveraging sports to propel black excellence,” Fall affirmed.
Former professional basketball player Luol Deng was the recipient of “the Legacy Award” for his outstanding contributions on and off the court, with Fall accepting it on his behalf. “After 20 years, Deng returned to South Sudan, spearheading basketball development. He’s truly exceptional,” Fall stated.
The summit is positioned as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for the global Black community, celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and promoting equality.
Black Excellence Foundation president Clarence Seedorf expressed his excitement about the future achievements of the award recipients, stating, “These exceptional leaders embody the spirit of black excellence, and I look forward to witnessing their continued impact on our community.
Panel discussions on “Media Representation, Marketing and Storytelling and Nurturing Future Leaders – Empowering Black Youth for Excellence” provided insight into the role media and education play in advancing inclusivity worldwide.
During the media panel, speakers explored the impact representation has on perceptions of the global Black community as well as the various ways to promote positive narratives and authentic storytelling. Allié Merrick McGuire, Founder of AwareNow Media, drew awareness to and called for brands to think carefully about their communication around diversity and inclusiveness.
A panel discussion on energy transition, moderated by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, focused on Africa’s pivotal position in the global energy arena. The dialogue commenced with an exchange between Ayuk and Energy Analyst Amena Bakr.
“In energy, we have to tell our own story,” stated Bakr, highlighting the need for African countries to assert their right to develop renewable energy resources while balancing concerns about oil and gas exploitation. She pointed out the disparity in emissions between more developed countries and Africa, where only three percent of global emissions originate.
The panel discussion concluded with a consensus on the critical role of diversity, collaboration, and empowerment in shaping Africa’s energy future and driving the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
