Africa Business Summit

Improving My Africa IQ at the U.S. – Africa Business Summit

Posted by adminBlog, Economic Development, Ted CarterPosted on

By Ted Carter

I was very pleased to attend the Corporate Council On Africa’s U.S. – Africa Business Summit May 6th – 9th in Dallas, Texas. There were more than 1,000 participants including 20 African ministerial delegations from countries such as Botswana, Sierra Leone, and Lesotho, as well as 50 corporate sponsors, to include: Axxess, Bank of America, Caterpillar, Coca-Cola, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Google, Hillwood and United Airlines.



The Summit’s theme, U.S.- Africa Business: Partnering for Sustainable Success, proved to be engaging, informative, invigorating and significantly improved my Africa IQ and network. The Corporate Council on Africa has reported that the Summit resulted in the signing of $1.3 billion in deals between U.S. and African partners. The Summit also provided a unique platform for tangible progress in promoting U.S.- Africa trade, investment, and business engagement.

Ted Carter OU Economic Development

University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute is a Great Investment

Posted by adminEconomic Development, Ted CarterPosted on

By Ted Carter

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (EDI). The EDI is structured to provide economic development professionals exposure to, and reinforcement of, the tools and relationships needed to enhance their ability and effectiveness in facilitating economic growth and opportunity in their communities. Completing the Institute qualifies professionals to sit for the coveted IEDC Economic Development industry certification.

The African Renaissance

The African Renaissance: A Beacon of Hope and Change for Equitable Engagement

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By Theodore (Ted) Carter with contributions from Lucky Murinda

The African Renaissance, a concept first articulated by Senegalese author and political leader Cheikh Anta Diop and later popularized by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, presents the vision and hope that Africa will overcome its current challenges and achieve cultural, scientific, and economic renewal. This concept has been a guiding light for the continent, inspiring a sense of hope and optimism for a brighter future.

Africa's Moment - Ted Carter

Africa’s Moment

Posted by adminBlog, Community Development, Economic DevelopmentPosted on

Op-ed by Ted Carter

I have been fascinated with Africa’s natural beauty and the strength of its people since I visited the continent years ago. A picture on my desk reminds me of one of my most joyous life moments, running on the shore of the Red Sea with a group of African kids without a care. Though separated by culture and thousands of miles, we bonded instantly as members of the African diaspora. This cherished memory still brings a smile to my face 20 years later.

Strength and Inspiration from Nelson Mandela

After nominally studying the impact of colonialism in college, my interest in Africa accelerated during Nelson Mandela’s triumphant visit to NYC in June 1990 following his release from prison after 27 years of fighting the injustices of apartheid. Mandela’s powerful speech at Yankee Stadium, where he spoke of the unbreakable cord that connects African Americans and Africans, has served as a source of strength, inspiration, and a personal call to action for me.