Business owners and entrepreneurs
Companies ready to source, sell or expand into new markets.
About the Forum
A working room for real business between two economies.
The Pittsburgh-Africa Economic Forum exists to turn interest into transactions. Western Pennsylvania has the manufacturing depth, the universities, the health systems and the capital. African markets have the fastest-growing consumer base on earth, and governments actively courting foreign partners.
This Forum puts those two rooms into one room. Business owners, executives, investors, government officials, African diplomats and economic development organizations spend an afternoon on the specifics: what to trade, where to invest, how market access actually works, and who to call on Monday morning.
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Who should attend?
Corporate executives
Leaders evaluating Africa as a growth or supply-chain region.
Investors
Capital looking for cross-border opportunity and partners on the ground.
Government officials
Local, state and federal representatives supporting trade.
African and diaspora business leaders
Operators with networks on both continents.
Export and import companies
Firms moving goods and needing market access clarity.
Economic development organizations
Agencies building regional trade and investment pipelines.
Professionals interested in African markets
Advisors, lawyers, bankers and consultants entering the space.
Speakers
Additional speakers and Ambassadors are being confirmed. Check back for updates, or register now to receive the full programme by email.
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Guest Speakers
- Allegheny Conference on Community Development
- Governor's Advisory Commission on Women, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh Mayor's Office
- Governor of Pennsylvania's Office
Ambassador Discussion
- Ghana Ambassador to the USA, Office of
- Kenya Ambassador to the USA, Office of
Featured Discussion
African Ambassadors on trade, access and investment.
A moderated discussion with African Ambassadors and embassy representatives covering the practical realities of doing business across African markets: investment opportunities, trade frameworks, market access, regulation, and the partners worth knowing in each country.
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Investment opportunities by sector and country
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Trade frameworks and how to use them
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Market access, regulation and on-the-ground realities
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Direct access to embassy commercial contacts
Saturday, September 12, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Allegheny County Human Services Building
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12:00 PM
Registration and networking
Arrival, badge collection and open networking.
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12:30 PM
Welcome remarks
Opening from the African Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania.
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12:45 PM
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania economic discussion
The regional picture: sectors, strengths and where partnership makes sense.
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1:30 PM
Business and investment presentations
Focused presentations on opportunities, capital and market entry.
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2:15 PM
Brunch and networking
Brunch is included with every ticket.
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3:00 PM
African Ambassadors discussion
Diplomatic and commercial discussion on trade and investment across African markets.
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3:45 PM
Closing remarks and networking
Closing, follow-up connections and departure.
Register for the Forum
Brunch is included with every ticket.
Join the African Chamber
Chamber membership connects you to the people actually doing business between Western Pennsylvania and Africa.
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Networking opportunities with business and diplomatic leaders
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Chamber programs and business resources
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Access to future events and forums
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Member pricing on events, including this Forum
The Chamber
The people behind the Forum.
Staff
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John F. Kwateng Jr.
Founder & President
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Dr. Darla Timbo, Psy.D., LPC
Executive Director
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Sahara Nzongola
General Secretary
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Richwell Ade, MBA
Treasurer
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Keira Haywood
Financial Secretary
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Dr. Mildred Emefa Biaku
Director of Events
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Rosy K.
Assistant Director of Events
Board of Directors
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Benedict Killang
Co-Founder, Union of African Communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania
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Caleb Worou
CEO, Digitalkonnect LLC
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John F. Kwateng Jr.
CEO, Executive Decisions Consulting Group
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Dr. Eliada Griffin-El, Ph.D.
S. Kent Rockwell Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Massey Center
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Feyisola Akintola
Head of Welcoming and Newcomer Initiatives, Pittsburgh Tomorrow
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Prince Gordon Manker
Owner, Premier Energy Network
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Chief Koula Adebiyi
IT Management Consultant
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Papa Eli Kihonoia
CEO, Afrika Yetu, Inc.
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Quincy Kofi Swatson
CEO, The Door Campaign
Partnership
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship puts your organization in front of executives, investors, government officials and African diplomatic leadership. Packages are available across every level.
Become a Sponsor-
Sponsors
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Government Partners
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Chambers of Commerce
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Community Partners
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Supporting Organizations
Allegheny County Human Services Building
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Saturday, September 12, 2026
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
When and where is the Pittsburgh-Africa Economic Forum?
Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Allegheny County Human Services Building, 1 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
How much are tickets?
Chamber members pay $10 and non-members pay $35. Brunch is included with every ticket.
Is food included?
Yes. Brunch is included with every ticket at no additional cost.
Who should attend?
Business owners, corporate executives, investors, government officials, African and diaspora business leaders, export and import companies, economic development organizations, and professionals interested in African markets.
How do I become a Chamber member?
Contact the African Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania at accwpa@gmail.com or 412-583-8279. Members receive networking access, programs, business resources, future events and member pricing.
How can my organization sponsor the Forum?
Email accwpa@gmail.com to request the sponsorship packages. Sponsorship is open to businesses, government partners, chambers of commerce and community organizations.
Connecting Pittsburgh to Africa. Building Business Across Borders.
Saturday, September 12, 2026 ยท 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sep 12, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM