By Akindele Akinyemi M.A.
We know that many organizations and associations go through an evolution period of growth and development. It shows that there is expansion and vision that continues to take root with its members.
That’s what happened to the former National African Business Association (NABA). We evolved and grew into the Global African Business Association (GABA). The Global African Business Association is a business support network whose mission is to link and develop business development through global trade, investment and education between Sub-Saharan Africa and local urban communities within the United States.
We decided to take on our own evolution as an association for several reasons.
First, we realize how strong our global imprint has become. Thanks to our distinguished Global Ambassadors within GABA we now have a presence in areas that we never had before. As we continue to link local urban communities to global African markets via business development, training and commerce it will be essential for us to focus on global initiatives and not just local ones.
Second, GABA is pushing for a heavy digital presence online to reach our community in a more efficient way to produce aster results. Part of this initiative is not to focus on 20th century model of rebuilding local urban communities but initiating smart city concepts to fuse connectivity and longevity for our local communities to link back to the African Diaspora. Part of that smart initiative includes cyber security, fintech and digital marketing as ways to transform local urban communities. In fact, fintech is where GABA will begin moving towards block chain and crypto currencies. As we begin to establish a formal relationship with the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor we will look into integrating financial engineering as it will play a key role in reshaping digital currency.
Third, with a 21st century team in place we are ready to move into the future with the full understanding to deliver a global step-change in environmental, social and economic development we need to view the future of the Diaspora both holistically and as a proxy for establishing an inclusive, equitable, green and profitable marketplace where sustainable principles drive growth. GABA’s focus will be Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the form of business education and partnerships. This way, we will be able to develop the ability to drive and manage technological change; infrastructure that contributes to a high quality of life; a long-term vision; and attracting and retaining talent. We also understand how the jobs and businesses of the future will have an ecosystem to nurture innovative start-ups and scale-ups.
Since our reintroduction in January 2019 we wanted to make sure that we are using 21st century approaches for a 22nd century global reality as it pertains to the African Diaspora. From water technology to cyber education GABA will be on the frontlines of ensuring our African immigrant and refugee communities have both a voice and seat at the table on public policy issues as well as business and economic development.
Three Components of GABA
There are three components of the Global African Business Association we focus on.
A. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the form of business education and partnerships. This way, we will be able to develop the ability to drive and manage technological change; infrastructure that contributes to a high quality of life; a long-term vision; and attracting and retaining talent. We also understand how the jobs and businesses of the future will have an ecosystem to nurture innovative start-ups and scale-ups.
B. Implementation of a 21st century educational model through support of career technical education (also known as TVET), cyber online education and international education.
C. Creating the best global imprint to link between local urban communities here in the United States and the African Diaspora. As we continue to link local urban communities to global African markets via business development, training and commerce it will be essential for us to focus on global initiatives and not just local ones.
I am sharing all of this because we are at a serious crossroads with the future of our communities here in the Diaspora. I cannot stress to you of how many people are relying on GABA to lead the way. Remember, cities like Inkster, Michigan are just a testing ground for our platform here in the U.S. We can leverage any local urban communities here in the U.S. city that wants to work with us 100%. And believe me that time is now.
Lastly, we are starting to move in a direction that is truly global. EB-5 Investor Visa Programs, Opportunity Zone/Funds, Smart Cities, Blue Economies, cyber education, CTE or TVET and Trade are economic pillars of our association. Others like cultural arts are community pillars of our association.
Akinyemi is the President and CEO of the Global African Business Association
For more information contact the Global African Business Association at nabatoday@gmail.com
