The African continent stands on the precipice of transformation, with urbanization rates skyrocketing and economies burgeoning.
Francis Ikome
Francis Ikome
Francis Ikome is an accomplished and dynamic Africa trade specialist, renowned for his unwavering dedication to driving economic growth and fostering sustainable trade relations across the African continent. He is the executive director of the European Association for Economic Cooperation with West African States. With an impeccable track record of success, Francis boasts unparalleled expertise in international trade, market analysis, and the implementation of innovative business development strategies tailored to Africa's diverse and vibrant markets. His profound understanding of the political, economic, and cultural intricacies of various African nations empowers him to navigate the complexities of cross-border trade and identify lucrative opportunities that others might overlook. Possessing a keen eye for emerging market trends, Francis excels in risk assessment and anticipates challenges, consistently delivering adaptive and cutting-edge trade solutions. Throughout his career spanning more than a decade, Francis has established an extensive network of contacts throughout Africa by collaborating closely with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations. This strategic approach to stakeholder management has enabled him to forge successful partnerships and negotiate agreements that fuel business growth and mutual benefit for all involved parties. Notably, Francis is also the visionary founder and former CEO of the Cameroonian American Chamber of Commerce (CAMAM) in Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, CAMAM played a pivotal role in enhancing diaspora engagement in private sector development in Cameroon and facilitating robust U.S.-Cameroonian economic relations. Additionally, he served as the head of international business development for a leading European pipe producer, opening strong access to the African market for the company. Beyond his professional achievements in trade and business development, Francis is also a former professional footballer with Portuguese SC Beira-Mar, showcasing his versatility and tenacity both on and off the field. Francis earned his master's degree in international relations and economics from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. He speaks English, Italian, French, and Cameroonian Creole.
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The momentum is here. We are witnessing a shift in mindset among many of Africa’s political leaders that is essential for Africa’s …