FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Dr. Lawrence Schaefer Joins ECAN’s Professional Circle

The sustainable agriculture entrepreneur brings expertise in aquaponics, agricultural education, and public service to the Network.

The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to announce the admission of Dr. Lawrence Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Schaefer Global Management, LLC, to its Professional Membership Category.

Based in the United States, Dr. Schaefer specializes in sustainable agriculture through innovative aquaponics systems that address challenges associated with conventional farming. His work combines entrepreneurship, education, and community partnerships to support agricultural development in the United States and Africa.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Schaefer to ECAN’s Professional Circle. His experience brings together agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, and public service—capabilities that are highly relevant to Africa’s food security and economic diversification priorities,” said Prof. Fred Olayele, Chair of the ECAN Board of Directors. “Technical expertise and private enterprise are essential to translating promising ideas into practical, scalable solutions that create sustainable impact in emerging markets and developing economies. We look forward to the insights Dr. Schaefer will contribute as our members work to strengthen partnerships and turn shared ambition into tangible development outcomes.”

Biography

Dr. Schaefer currently teaches aquaponics at Bowie State University and previously taught at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. He has partnered with community organizations and farmers to establish aquaponic facilities domestically and internationally, expanding his agricultural business through operations in Iowa, Texas, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.

A third-generation farmer, Dr. Schaefer traces his agricultural roots to a family-owned business established in 1868. This background helped shape his entrepreneurial outlook and commitment to practical solutions. For twelve years, he served as CEO of a koi pond business, overseeing the design, installation, and management of custom commercial and residential ponds and water features throughout the U.S. National Capital Region.

Alongside his agricultural and entrepreneurial work, Dr. Schaefer brings more than 30 years of federal service spanning security, emergency management, continuity of operations, and government programs. His experience includes public safety and emergency response communications planning; exercise development, implementation, and evaluation; and the development of national public safety communications standards.

His admission adds to the range of professional expertise within ECAN and creates opportunities for engagement on sustainable agriculture, innovation, and cross-border partnerships.

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 About ECAN

The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is a private, membership-based network dedicated to finance, innovation, and development. A strategic circle of influence, ECAN’s members are visionary leaders with a proven track record of excellence, influence, and integrity. Through high-level dialogue and curated engagements, ECAN provides a platform for exchanging ideas and advancing opportunities that contribute to Africa’s economic development and global engagement. Membership is by invitation only — and typically reserved for highly distinguished ethical leaders.

To learn more, visit www.econclubafrica.org