The Africa Soft Power Project

The preeminent, continent-based, African-led convening body and change maker

The Africa Soft Power Project (ASP) is focused on harnessing the continent’s creative, cultural, and knowledge industries to propel itself forward, while championing the inclusion of African & diasporan voices, in global discourse.

Ultimately, ASP seeks to showcase the continent and what its unique perspective can bring to the modern global economy at large.

FOUNDER'S NOTE
 
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AFRICA SOFT POWER SUMMIT
2026
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AFRICA SOFT POWER SUMMIT
2025
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“All through my life as a young boy growing up, I’ve been hearing that Africa has potential and here I am after so many decades of my life and we are still talking about potential. We’re going to need to change it to where we begin to realize this potential”
Prof. Benedict OramahPresident, African Export-Import Bank
“We may not be able to change much about what happens in the next 20 to 30 years but the change that is going to be impactful is the change we may not live to see and that change will be what we teach our children. To make sure that the future they live in is a secure future for our grandchildren.”
Pearl ThusiActress, TV Host, Model and Radio Personality
“Great stories resonate, and the stories we’ve done thus far have travelled well and are starting to resonate. Part of it is building that pipeline over time so that people know it’s their Netflix and they come to us for that .”
Dean GarfieldVP, Public Policy, Netflix
“Along with the richness, you also see the innovative spirits of African artists; the forging of Arts and cultural institutions. It underscores the importance of our bilateral partnerships in areas like intellectual property protection. If arts and artists are going to continue flourishing artistic productions need to be protected."
H.E. Mary Beth LeonardU.S. Ambassador to Nigeria
“I imagine an African identity or culture across the continent that is open and safe for women that we become the beacons of light to the world.”
JidennaRapper, Songwriter and Producer
“For me, the conversation has really been about how do we create access to grow capital and wealth for black people so that we can participate and engage for the betterment of our communities.”
Susan Chapman-HughesFmr. EVP, Global Head of Digital Capabilities, Transformation and Operations, AMEX
“The creative juices and the future of creativity in the world is really going to come out of Africa and the young people of Africa.”
Stephen HendelProducer, Fela! The Musical

A GLIMPSE AT PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

Over seven years and across multiple convenings, Africa Soft Power has brought together heads of state, institutional leaders, global creatives, and sector pioneers.

H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo
Fmr. President of Ghana
H.E. Dr. Joyce Banda
Fmr. President of Malawi
Prof. Benedict Oramah
Fmr. President, African Export-Import Bank
Clare Akamanzi
CEO, NBA Africa
Emeka Ofodile
Global Head, Sports Marketing, Apple
Chi Ogbuehi
VP of Marketing Technology & Consumer Products, NFL
Dean Garfield
Fmr. Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Netflix
Pearl Thusi
Award-winning Actress, TV Host
Shola Akinlade
CEO, Paystack
Renée Cummings
Professor of Practice, University of Virginia’s School of Data Science
Luol Ajou Deng
Two-time NBA All-Star
Kojo Boakye
VP, Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, Meta
Paula Moreno
Fmr. Minister of Culture, Colombia
Misan Harriman
Photographer & Filmmaker
Jidenna Mobisson
Award-winning Musician & Producer

Individuals featured here are listed for historical reference only, reflecting past participation in Africa Soft Power platforms. Inclusion does not imply confirmation, endorsement, or affiliation with future editions.

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