Press Releases
A New Chapter Begins: Name Change
After five years of growth and service, the Economic Club of Africa in New York — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is proud to announce a full rebrand, including a new name: Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN). This change reflects the organization’s evolving mission, expanded impact, and bold vision for the future
ECAN Appoints New Board Members
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is proud to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. With deep knowledge and expertise in international finance, development, technology innovation, economic governance, and public policy, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and passion that will help guide ECAN through its next phase of growth and deepen its impact.
ECAN Appoints Svanikier and Gurib-Fakim as Country Patrons
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is proud to announce the appointment of Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist Thomas Svanikier and former President of the Republic of Mauritius Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim as inaugural Country Patrons for Ghana and Mauritius, respectively.
ECAN Pays Courtesy Visit to Lesotho’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York
Today, the Board Chair of the Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN), Professor Fred Olayele, and Board Director Mr. Obi Emekekwue, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Matete ’Nena, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the United Nations, at the Permanent Mission in New York. Among other things, the meeting covered Lesotho’s economic development priorities, private-sector growth, investment mobilization, and opportunities to strengthen engagement between the Kingdom and ECAN’s international network of business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and development partners.
ECAN Congratulates Dr. Isaías Barreto da Rosa on UNESCO Appointment
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to congratulate Dr. Isaías Barreto da Rosa, a member of the Network, on his appointment as UNESCO Representative to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the UNESCO Office in Abuja. The appointment represents an important professional milestone and recognizes Dr. Barreto da Rosa’s experience, leadership, and commitment to advancing international cooperation and sustainable development in Africa. A member in good standing, Dr. Barreto da Rosa exemplifies the three core attributes of ECAN: Excellence, Influence, and Integrity.
Chief Felix Oladunjoye Joins ECAN’s Exquisite Circle
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is delighted to welcome Chief Felix Oladunjoye to its Exquisite Circle. A seasoned accountant, business executive, and export-trade specialist with over 25 years of leadership in the cocoa commodities industry, supply-chain management, and business strategy, Chief Oladunjoye is a dedicated supporter of community development, youth empowerment, and academic advancement.
ECAN Welcomes Dr. Joshua Gogo to Thinkers Circle
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) — a non-profit organization dedicated to finance, innovation, and development in Africa — is delighted to welcome Dr. Joshua Gogo to its Thinkers Circle. An economist, investment professional, engineer, entrepreneur, author, and institutional strategist with professional experience spanning four continents and nine countries, Dr. Gogo has advised governments, businesses, investors, and family enterprises on economic strategy, investment, institutional resilience, and long-term value creation.
ECAN Announces First Round of Speakers and Leadership for 2026 Annual Summit & Awards Gala
Tunde Fafunwa Named Summit & Awards Gala Chair; Award-Winning Former CNN Journalist Carol Pineau to Host; Thomas Svanikier to Deliver Investiture Keynote
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) has announced the first round of distinguished leaders who will play key roles at the 2026 ECAN Annual Summit & Awards Gala, taking place from November 19-20, 2026, at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The 2026 ECAN Annual Summit & Awards Gala will convene a highly curated group of senior business leaders, investors, policymakers, academics, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, and members of the African diaspora under the theme: AFRICA FROM OPPORTUNITY TO EXECUTION. The gathering will focus on moving the conversation about Africa beyond potential toward the practical mobilization of capital, policy, partnerships, and leadership required to deliver measurable economic and development outcomes.
The Awards Gala will feature the investiture of new ECAN members and patrons, alongside the presentation of the 2026 ECAN Distinguished Excellence Awards recognizing exceptional accomplishment, integrity, influence, and impact across Finance, Innovation, Development, and Leadership. The ECAN Pan-African Fund, a new investment vehicle designed to unlock capital for high-potential African entrepreneurs, will be official unveiled.
Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah Joins ECAN's Professional Circle
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to announce the admission of Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah, UNDP Resident Representative in the Republic of Guinea, as a new member of the Network in the Professional Membership Category.
Mr. Ohemeng-Boamah brings more than three decades of distinguished experience spanning international development, humanitarian coordination, peacebuilding, economic development, and multilateral diplomacy. His career has included senior leadership assignments across Africa and within the United Nations system, with extensive experience in least developed countries, crisis-affected environments, and countries navigating political and economic transitions.
ECAN Leadership Participates in Strategic Engagements at UNGA81 in New York
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is strongly represented at the ongoing 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York, with members of its leadership participating in a series of strategic engagements with partners and stakeholders. ECAN Board Chair, Prof. Fred Olayele, alongside Board Directors Mr. Obi Emekekwue and Mr. Tunde Fafunwa, participated in meetings and discussions focused on issues spanning three areas central to ECAN’s mission: finance, innovation, and development. The ECAN delegation also participated in key sessions of Unstoppable Africa, the flagship convening of the Global Africa Business Initiative.
Dr. Lawrence Schaefer Joins ECAN's Professional Circle
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to announce the admission of Dr. Lawrence Schaefer, CEO of Schaefer Global Management, LLC, as a new member of the Network in the Professional Membership Category.
Dr. Schaefer specializes in sustainable agriculture through innovative aquaponics systems. With extensive experience in farming and aquaponics education, he currently teaches Aquaponics at Bowie State University and previously at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC. Dr. Schaefer has partnered with community organizations and farmers to establish other aquaponic facilities domestically and internationally. He has expanded his agriculture business nationally as well as globally, with operations in Iowa, Texas, Cameroon, and The Central Africa Republic.
ECAN Welcomes Jeremy Worthington to Network
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to announce the admission of Jeremy Worthington, Founder and Principal of New York-based Montague Global Advisors, as a new member of the Network in the Professional Membership Category.
Mr. Worthington is a New York-based international finance executive and strategic advisor with more than 15 years of experience across institutional finance, international development, and emerging markets. Much of his career has focused on Africa, where he has worked at the intersection of finance, economic development, and private-sector growth, both within large international organizations and alongside businesses operating in complex emerging-market environments.
ECAN Welcomes Boye Oyewumi, Chairman of Silverage Group, to Its Exquisite Circle
The Economic Club of Africa Network (ECAN) is pleased to announce the admission of Boye Oyewumi, Chairman of Silverage Group, Nigeria, to its distinguished community of senior leaders advancing finance, innovation and development in Africa.
An accomplished business leader, entrepreneur, and investment strategist, Mr. Oyewumi brings more than three decades of experience spanning corporate leadership, investment promotion, financial management, public policy, and institutional governance. His career reflects a sustained commitment to enterprise development, strategic investment, and the creation of economic opportunities across Africa.
PRESS RELEASE: Economic Club and USBAA Release New Report on Risk Perception, Investment Opportunities, and Africa’s Diaspora Capital
PRESS RELEASE: Economic Club Convenes 2022 Summit on Sustainable Financing and Resource Mobilization Strategies in Post-Covid Africa
