By: Betty Coker, Editor in Chief For World Liberty TV

Today, African Leadership Magazine and the African Leadership Council officially kicked off the 12th edition of the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFACL 2026) at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), this high-level symposium brings together heads of state, central bankers, policymakers, and top diaspora business leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean.

The forum serves as a critical platform to turn historical kinship into tangible capital and cross-border partnerships.

Under the 2026 central theme, “The Global African Alliance: Reimagining Solidarity, Sovereignty and South-South Cooperation,” discussions focus on dismantling the structural and logistical barriers that currently restrict direct trade between Africa and the Caribbean.

The symposium is structured around three core priorities: Strengthening Internal Accountability: Moving away from reliance on external validation, panels focus on building robust African and Caribbean public institutions held to internal governance standards.

Bridging the Logistics Gap: Addressing shipping and infrastructural deficits to establish direct transatlantic trade routes, reducing the high cost and time of detouring through third continents.

Mobilizing Diaspora Capital: Highlighting the role of investment vehicles and strategic capital allocation, featuring prominent diaspora leaders such as Chi Achebe (Founding Partner of Achebe Capital).

The event also highlights the dual roles of its organizing bodies.

While the annual forum opens critical cross-continental dialogues, the African Leadership Council serves as the year-round vehicle providing members with structured, continuous access to Africa’s institutional and business leadership.

Concurrent with the event, the Africaribbean Public Service Leadership Awards are being presented to celebrate individuals driving excellence in public sector dialogue and transformation.

At the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFACL 2026) in New York City, the notable presidential figures recognized and highlighted by the African Leadership Magazine include: H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete (Former President of Tanzania) — Honored as the Special Guest of Honor for the forum, where he delivered the introductory Welcome Remarks.

H.E. Bassirou Diomaye Faye (President of Senegal) — officially featured and recognized in the high-profile IFACL 2026 presidential lineup following his formal confirmation to the landmark gathering.

President Adama Barrow (The Gambia) — officially recognized for his administration’s consistent structural engagement and partnership with the Forum, represented at the New York sessions by his Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Admassu Tadesse (Group President and Managing Director, TDB Group) — While not a head of state, he was prominently honored with ALM distinctions in his capacity as an institutional “Group President” shaping the continent’s development finance.

Other Presidents and Prime Ministers, honored also included: John Antonio Briceño, President of Belize, Philip Edward Davis, Prime minister of Bahamas. Many Ambassadors, Ministers and political leaders in attendance from Africa and Caribbean.

 About African Leadership Magazine: Published by the African Leadership Organization, African Leadership Magazine focuses on bringing the best of Africa to a global audience.

Platforming solutions to the continent’s peculiar challenges, and fostering leadership excellence and business partnerships across the global African diaspora.

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