African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS) 2024: A Landmark Event
The Event
The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS) 2024, held on November 21-22, 2024, was a landmark event celebrated for its insightful discussions and high-level engagement. Organised by HenleyCaribbean Sustainable Ventures, the summit brought together influential stakeholders from African and Caribbean diaspora business communities in the United Kingdom, united under the theme: “Leveraging the African, Caribbean, and UK Business Opportunities: Investing in a Sustainable Future.”
Day I: Unity and Cooperation
The opening day at the prestigious House of Lords highlighted the urgency of South-South cooperation. Keynote speaker Hugh Walker, Head of the Africa Strategy Department at the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, emphasized the critical importance of unity among African and Caribbean entrepreneurs, declaring, “The time is now.”
Day II: Innovation and Collaboration
The second day of the summit continued to deliver impactful conversations. The Morning Coffee Chill, hosted by Michael Lutterodt-Quarcoo, set a relaxed tone for a day packed with actionable insights.
Key Panels and Presentations
- Connectivity & Sustainability: Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin moderated a panel featuring Pascale Elie, who discussed the transformative potential of cellular technology, and Leon Owuso, who emphasized electrification as a foundation for community development.
- Tourism & Community Development: Jamie-Lee Abtar led discussions on inclusive tourism policies with insights from H.E. Racher Croney of Grenada and Grace Munyiri of Kenya.
- Empowering Education: Cheryll Rogers, CEO of Fairbreak Global, shared her innovative programme to train teachers in Antigua and Barbuda as qualified reading coaches, underscoring the power of early childhood education.
- Women in Agriculture: Ngozi Oyewole from Commonwealth Businesswomen – Africa, spotlighted women’s pivotal roles in African agriculture.
Cultural Finale and Future Collaboration
The event concluded with a cultural showcase of Saint Lucian drumming and dancing, leaving participants inspired. Farai Muvuti, CEO of The Southern African Times, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, lauding the summit’s success in fostering collaboration.
Conclusion
The African Caribbean Sustainability & Investment Summit (ACSIS) 2024 stands as a testament to the power of unity, innovation, and sustainability in building a brighter future for African and Caribbean communities worldwide.
FAQs
- What was the theme of the ACSIS 2024 summit?
- Leveraging the African, Caribbean, and UK Business Opportunities: Investing in a Sustainable Future.
- Who was the keynote speaker on the opening day?
- Hugh Walker, Head of the Africa Strategy Department at the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
- What were some of the key panels and presentations at the summit?
- Connectivity & Sustainability, Tourism & Community Development, Empowering Education, and Women in Agriculture.