WeeklySA_AdminPARTNERSHIPS: Expected to attend are delegates from across Africa, United States, the Caribbean to explore joint economic empowerment opportunities…
By WSAM Reporter
Durban – once again – is set to take centre stage next month as it prepares to host the highly anticipated reSURGEnce Conference 2025, a gathering that will facilitate business-to-business engagements aimed at forging trade and investment partnerships.
Taking place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from September 20 to 24, the event will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials for powerful conversations, strategic networking, and collaborative sessions focused on unlocking the immense potential of the African market. Organisers promise this year’s edition will be even bigger and more impactful than the ground-breaking 2024 event.
Entrepreneurs, investors, clergy, creatives, and changemakers from across Africa, United States, the Caribbean and the global diaspora will explore economic empowerment opportunities under the conference’s theme: “A Thicker Slice of the Economic Pie: Access. Connect. Thrive”.
A forerunner to the conference, a virtual launch which took place on 27 August, culminated in global thought leaders delivering a clear and urgent message: the time for action is now.
United States convener the Reverend Dennis Dillon described reSURGEnce as “more than a conference, it is a movement with practical solutions,” emphasising the importance of building lasting cross-continental partnerships that drive real economic transformation.
eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele shared his enthusiasm about the conference, stating the city was ready to welcome the world, adding that Durban was open for business and investment. He cited more than R100 billion worth of catalytic infrastructure projects that were open for investment and partnership.
These included the Automotive Supplier Park, Durban’s dual-airport development, Cornubia and Westown mixed-use precincts, a proposed light rail from the Central Business District to Umhlanga, and a new inland Dry Port to ease western congestion. Mbhele also highlighted the success of the Economic Development Incentive Policy in attracting investment which has already unlocked R18 billion in investment through 54 approved projects and over R80 million in annual rates rebates.
“Durban is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most investor-friendly cities,” he said.
The launch featured powerful voices such as Melba Wilson, celebrity chef, entrepreneur and founder of Melba’s in New York. She described reSURGEnce “a game-changer,” citing her collaboration with Umhlanga’s Mushroom Lounge and Café as a direct result of last year’s event.
“Our network is our net worth,” she said.
Ndaba Mandela of the Africa Rising Foundation stated that, “As Africans, we share a common destiny and must share in the continent’s economic benefits.” This year’s dynamic speaker line-up for the two-day main conference to be held from September 22 to 23, includes global leaders such as Dr. George Fraser, President of FraserNet Inc. and New York Times bestselling author; New York State Senator James Sanders, chair of Senate Banking; Clayton Banks, founder and leader of Harlem Silicon Valley, Achumboro Ataanda, CEO of Uplift Communities and angel investor; and the Reverend Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and founder of the National Action Network, among others.
The aim of the main conference is to facilitate a platform for businesses to connect with influential leaders, gain access to high-level networks, and position your business for serious growth and investment.
The reSURGEnce movement hosts global business forums and conferences that bring together Black businesses, churches, and community not-for-profits and link them with resources, institutions, governments, and corporations that will facilitate funding, procurement, sales and marketing, trade, training, and a wide range of services and business exchange. Its mission is to fuel “a renewed flame” for the development and growth of Black businesses around the world.
Summing the economic reality of black people in the diaspora, convenor and New York Christian Times publisher the Rev Dillion says: “For Blacks in America and the Black world, the economic needle is barely moving. Viewed from a governmental and socio-economic perspective, it looks like Blacks are included, society often acts like they are included and speaks like they are included – but when you look at the data and carefully evaluate the numbers, it is glaring that Blacks are not equally included and lag far behind other races in all things economic”.
For those interested in attending the conference, they can contact the organisers via the email info@resurgenceconference.com or phone +1 718-638-6397.
