London turned into the beating heart of African excellence this July, as EMY Africa brought its 10th anniversary celebrations to the British capital with a powerful mix of intellect, elegance, and diaspora unity. From policy discussions and business innovation to soulful performances and red-carpet moments, the weekend brought together changemakers and icons in a way that only EMY Africa can.
In partnership with the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), EMY Africa started the weekend by hosting the Africa Rising Symposium on Saturday, 19th July 2025, under the theme “Beyond Potential: Africa’s Age of Performance.” The esteemed Sheikh Zayed Theatre transformed into a hub of ideas and leadership, where some of the most respected voices in African business, governance, and culture took centre stage for panels, fireside chats, and high-level exchanges. Conversations spanned sustainable infrastructure, diaspora investment, creative economies, and homegrown reform. Some of the most compelling sessions featured Dr James Orleans-Lindsay, who delivered a deeply personal keynote address about builidng beyond rhetoric, and Alex Dadey, who delivered a deeply personal fireside chat about scaling a business empire in Africa.
Other speakers included: Joe Kinvi (Founder, Borderless), Ope Onibokun (Investment Director, British International Investment), Timothy Folaranmi (Managing Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP), Bell Ribeiro-Addy (MP, UK House of Commons), Fred Rugamba (Visit Rwanda), Guy Kioni (CEO, Missang), Taponeswa Mavunga (Sony Music UK), Nyasha Michelle (BBC Journalist), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Actor & Producer), and Chris Albert-Soboh (Editor-in-Chief, EMY Africa Magazine).
And as the lights dimmed on the symposium, the scene shifted across town to The Waldorf Hilton the next day for the EMY Africa Soirée, an invite-only gathering of elegance, storytelling, and vibrant celebration. Set against a backdrop of live music and curated cultural moments, the soirée was a reunion of excellence. Glasses clinked, style reigned, and conversations sparked future collaborations across the diaspora.
The soirée hosted an influential cast of special guests: Dr. James Orleans-Lindsay, 2024 Man of the Year & Executive Chairman of JL Holdings; Alex Dadey, 2023 Man of the Year & Executive Chairman of KGL Group; legendary Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo; Lady Princess Bright, Mayor of Barking and Dagenham; British TV icon Rudolf Walker; bestselling author and spiritual leader Touré Roberts; fashion designer David Wej; celebrated speaker Michelle McKinney Hammond; Ghanaian international band The Compozers, among many others.
Just a week before London, EMY Africa landed for first time in the United States with the Africa Rising Symposium at New York University on Friday, 11th July. Under the theme “Voices of a Rising Continent,” the event turned the spotlight on the African diaspora’s growing role in shaping the global narrative through finance, fashion, storytelling, and policymaking.
New York speakers included: Dr Michelle McKinney Hammond (Author, Speaker, Actress), Cathy Mallebranche (Stylist & Educator), Foster Awintiti Akugri (Strategy & Commercial Director, BlacVolta), Jean-Paul Adam (Director for Policy, Monitoring and Advocacy in the Office of the Special Advisor on Africa to the United Nations Secretary General), Isaac K. Cudjoe, Ph.D. (CEO, Peace First), Kojo Soboh (Founder & Executive Director, EMY Africa), Tiffany Boyle (Commissioner of the Revenue, City of Newport News, State of Virginia), Michael Sheldrick (Co-founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer, Global Citizen), Thebe Ikalafeng (Founder & Chairman, Brand Africa), Michael B. Serwadda (Managing Partner, Serwadda Group), Professor Chike Frankie Edozien (Director, New York University, Accra), Professor Eliot Borenstein (Vice Provost for Global Programmes, NYU).
“Throughout our travel activations, we’re builidng bridges,” said Kojo Soboh, Executive Director of EMY Africa, at the London Soirée, “We’re building a community by reaching out to the 55th state of Africa, the diaspora, and celebrating the best of Africa. What we’ve seen in New York and London is a movement stepping fully into its moment.”
These milestone events were made possible through the generous support of our partners: Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President of Ghana, UNESCO, JL Properties, KGL Group, Akwaaba UK, Q1 Africa Consult, New Media Association, and BlacVolta.
Some Gifting Partners’ thoughtful contributions also added a touch of excellence to the gatherings: Ambiance by Talata, Skin Gourmet, Chocolate Clothing, and Romul Expressions.
With this global showcase behind us and the flagship EMY Africa Awards on the horizon, EMY Africa enters its second decade more ambitious than ever and committed to celebrating African achievement, wherever it rises.
