ANNUAL Africa Summit in Colorado
The board members of Africa Agenda, World Denver Young Professionals, and invited guests and speakers pose for a photo during the November 2014 Colorado-Africa Summit. [Africa Agenda]
The Inaugural Summit
The Annual Africa Summit in Colorado, organized by Africa Agenda, was conceived following the historic U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit hosted by former president Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. in August of 2014.
To further explore the ideas raised during the summit and to serve its mission, Africa Agenda partnered with World Denver Young Professionals to continue the discussions on strengthening U.S.-Africa relationships from our own backyard in Colorado.
Why An Africa Summit
The Annual Africa Summit in Colorado brings diverse voices together every year for meaningful dialogue and progress.
Billed as the “Colorado Summit,” our first event was held on November 20, 2014, at the Posner Center in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood, and explored opportunities for Colorado’s own engagement and partnership with Africa. The Annual Africa Summit in Colorado continues to build on this foundation of engagement.
Since 2014, Africa Agenda has continued with this tradition and made the Africa summit a yearly soiree to rally the community on the many issues impacting the continent, including elections, the media and democracy, peace and stability, U.S.-Africa cooperation in global health, women and girls’ issues, and much more. Therefore, the Annual Africa Summit in Colorado plays an important role in bringing attention to these vital topics.
Before 2020, the event was typically held in the Fall (around late October or early November). After 2021, we moved the schedule to the Springtime, around late April or May each year. The program includes special guest speakers, entertainers, and table discussions.
Community Partnership & Engagement
Africa Agenda has collaborated with many local and international organizations to organize the summit, including the African Leadership Group (ALG), University of Denver (DU) Students for Africa, Africa Initiatives at the Josef Korbel School of International Relations at DU, Africana Studies Department at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Colorado People’s Alliance.
The Program
The evening lasts about two and a half hours (6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and looks as follows:
5:00-6:00: Registration/Live music
6-6:30: Opening
Remarks/Inspiration/Recognitions
Appraisals and Opportunities from the US-Africa civic, business, and community leaders
6:30-7:45: Table Discussions with Professionals over Food and Drinks
7:45- 8:00: Awards, Closing, and observations from the tables