New York Africa Chamber of Commerce (NYACC) Established to Focus on Driving Economic Opportunities Between Africa and the Global Business and Financial Centers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 10, 2024

Contact: Panagiota Babadelis
Director, Marketing
973-200-1181
[email protected]

Photo Caption:(Left) Busie Matsiko, President of the NYACC, (Right) Linda Mauro, COO Berkeley College, NY

New York, NY - The New York Africa Chamber of Commerce (NYACC), an organization committed to driving collaboration and partnership opportunities, empowering businesses, and facilitating a thriving economic landscape that connects Africa and the global community, is thrilled to announce the immense success of its soft launch event held in New York on Friday, September 27, 2024, marking a significant milestone in fostering international trade and investment between Africa and the global market.

In a heartfelt statement, President of NYACC Busie Matsiko shared, "I've been concerned about how to access funding and capital and where to find these sources. Through building solid relationships globally, across various industries, I believe that now, with the bridge to Africa firmly established, we have a unique opportunity to create intentional, deliberate, and fair collaborations with institutions willing to engage with both the diaspora and the continent. It is essential to encourage international trade and investment across diverse markets."

Matsiko emphasized the importance of inclusivity in trade, stating, "I realized that the staircase is big enough for all to participate, even with other chambers of commerce in existence. We can't operate in silos. I am particularly excited to see a chamber of commerce focused on doing business in Africa being established in New York, the epicenter of finance in the world."

Held during United Nations General Assembly Week, the launch event attracted a diverse group of business and civic leaders, including entrepreneurs, small- and medium-sized enterprises, major corporations, public officials, and foreign dignitaries. The event was hosted at the New York City campus of Berkeley College and kicked off with heartfelt welcoming remarks from Linda Mauro, Campus Operating Officer, who emphasized the importance of collaboration among institutions and individuals who share a vision for success. Mauro stated, "When institutions and people come together with a shared mission, we can achieve remarkable outcomes, especially in driving economic growth and fostering international partnerships."

Former Miss South Africa and advocate Shudu also inspired attendees with her emphasis on the need for intentionality and deliberate collaboration when doing business with Africa. "Creating international synergies is not just beneficial; it is essential for sustainable growth and mutual success," Shudu remarked during the panel discussion.

Attendees included the first Afro Latina current president of Westport Connecticut Rotary, former South African ambassador and one of few women judges, the president of the UN Women Guild, and several NY fashion designers and marketing experts. Also present were Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Founder and President of the Umlambo Foundation, which is dedicated to investing in the educational prospects and future of youth on the African continent through various initiatives. In addition to her role at Umlambo Foundation, Dr. Mlambo-Ngcuka serves as the Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg. With an esteemed background as the former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, she notably made history as the first woman to hold the position of Deputy President of South Africa. Her extensive experience and commitment to social justice continue to inspire change and empower future generations. Gbenga Omotayo, U.S. Africa Business & Trade Network, gave the call for action and encouraged the attendees to fill out the membership survey.

In his remarks, Shelter Afrique Development Bank CEO Thierno Habib Hann highlighted the significance of Africa as the gateway to transformative investment opportunities, "Africa represents one of the world's most promising frontiers for infrastructure, housing, and sustainable urban development. Organisations like Shelter Afrique Development Bank are committed to ensuring that the investment landscape is prepared for these opportunities, offering solutions that address critical needs across the continent. With initiatives like NYACC, we can bridge capital from the global markets to Africa, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and lasting development."

"New York and Africa both present immense challenges and rewards," observed Abder, an attendee. "I often remind myself, whether I'm in New York or Africa, 'If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere.' That saying truly resonates with the experiences in both places. I see the NYACC as a unique opportunity to achieve this, bridging two dynamic regions and creating paths for success in both."

About Busie Matsiko, President of the NYACC

Busie Matsiko, a graduate of Berkeley College, is an award-winning global strategist and entrepreneur who is widely recognized for her impact leadership. She has been instrumental in successfully scaling and growing companies and organizations across multiple industries and currently advises numerous multilateral organizations on private-sector scaling and development. She is a special advisor on a Private Sector Development and Celebrity Outreach project created under the auspices of the UN Deputy Secretary General to promote and popularize the UN SDGs in Africa and the Diaspora. Matsiko has received awards and recognition from the UN, AU, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, MIPAD, Berkeley College, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), and others.

Matsiko was the founder of one of the first fashion technology companies, Fashion Indie, was co-founder of New York Surgical Arts, and is the creator of RESET, a platform for thought leaders to discuss business strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is also the Executive Director of The Africa Future Summit, which brings together investors and leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and politics to address the challenges that affect Africa's future.

For more information about the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce, visit https://www.nyafricachamber.com

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans, for 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success.

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