Written by Shakiri Murrain, Director of Innovation, RICE
Earlier this month, I had the honor of traveling to Paris, France, to participate in the 2025 Alkebulan Africa Summit—a gathering of over 170 leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from across the globe. From Ghana to South Africa, the Ivory Coast to Haiti, the United States to Martinique, we convened with a shared mission: to explore how we can build meaningful, equitable partnerships with Africa and within the global diaspora.
Representing the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), I was invited to deliver a keynote address. But more than that, I was there to listen, to learn, and to witness a movement taking shape—one that is grounded in purpose, driven by courage, and committed to building a future where Africa’s potential is fully realized.
Leadership in the Face of Challenge
No summit of this scale is without its challenges. And this one was no exception. We faced significant hurdles, particularly with the Ghanaian delegation—logistical issues, communication breakdowns, and moments that could have easily derailed the entire experience.
But in the midst of it all stood Annet Olivier N’Guessan.
With grace, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the vision, Olivier led with quiet strength. He, Sami Adili and Eric Balliet navigated the complexities with poise, ensuring that the summit not only continued—but thrived. Olivier’s leadership was not loud, but it was deeply felt. It was the kind of leadership that doesn’t seek credit but earns respect and it was instrumental in making this summit a success.
Olivier reminded us that perseverance is not just about enduring difficulty—it’s about rising above it with integrity and purpose.
And with a partner like Frank Owusu, it’s understandable to how this large vision was executed. Frank moves with the energy of the nicest billionaire one would ever meet enhanced with deep knowledge of Ghana’s history and growth potential. His attention to detail and quality in all efforts was apparent in the outcomes of the Alkebulan Summit. Thankful to have met and broken bread with such a leader, I’m looking forward to our future collaborations on the continent.
A Summit of Substance
The Alkebulan Summit was more than symbolic. It was strategic. We engaged in real conversations about international business—tariffs, taxes, joint ventures, and the regulatory frameworks that shape global commerce. We examined how to create value that is sustainable and equitable, ensuring that Africa benefits most from its own resources.
This is not about charity. It is about sustainable business. It is about building systems that honor the dignity of every community and ensuring that prosperity is shared.
Africa is rich—not only in natural resources, but in human capital, creativity, and resilience. And those who are willing to engage with humility and vision will find not only opportunity, but alignment with something far greater than profit.
The Power of Connection
In Paris, I met leaders from the European business and political communities, including Nadège Abomangoli, Vice President of the French Parliament and a powerful advocate for the African diaspora. I connected with creatives like Stephany Pereira Correia, whose storytelling captured the spirit of the summit with elegance and clarity. And I engaged with entrepreneurs from across the globe—each one driven by a hunger to build, to innovate, and to uplift.
These connections were not transactional. They were transformational. They reminded me that progress is made not in isolation, but in community.
A Legacy Continued
As I stood before the summit audience, I thought of Mr. Herman J. Russell. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1952, and yet his legacy continues to shape the work we do today. I often wonder what he would think of this moment—of RICE leading conversations on global entrepreneurship, of Black leaders from around the world coming together to chart a new course for Africa and its diaspora.
I believe he would be proud. Not because we have arrived, but because we are moving forward with purpose.
Looking Ahead
The next Alkebulan Africa Summit will take place in Ghana in November 2025. Another moment for the world to witness what is possible when we align our resources with our values. When we prioritize fairness. When we choose partnership.
This is a movement. And it is only just beginning.
A Call to Action
As I reflect on my time in Paris, I am reminded of a particular event that occurred as we left dinner one evening. After passing through an intersection, we were pulled over by the police for apparently not using the vehicle’s turn signal. Familiar yet annoying, we paused as the driver’s credentials were checked. When it was established that he was an excellent driver with a nearly perfect record, the pause was over, and we were released.
Although this situation didn’t instill as much fear in us as it would our grandfathers, it’s time to create a future where our grandsons/granddaughters have no fear of this occurrence at all. This summit was a reminder that the future is not something we wait for. It is something we build. And it begins with the courage to believe that collaboration is not only possible—it is essential.
To those who are watching from the sidelines: the time to go global is now. The time to invest in Africa—not just financially, but relationally—is now. The time to build something that lasts is now.
Let us move forward—not with haste, but with purpose. Not with fear, but with faith. And not alone, but together.
