The Akwaba African Diaspora Festival: Economic Mission is a strategic initiative spearheaded by Moussa KONE, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow and Founder of Update Consulting International. This mission builds on a series of business delegations he has led in the United States with West African entrepreneurs and follows the successful first edition of the Akwaba African Diaspora Festival, held in Abidjan from May 29 to June 3, 2025, in partnership with Beaulia ONG, the FAMO Foundation, the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire to the United States and many other Technical partners.

This second installment of the Akwaba initiative brings together a dynamic cohort of entrepreneurs and business leaders from across West Africa. Set to take place across multiple U.S. cities from September 15–19, 2025, the mission is designed to strengthen economic ties between Africa and the United States by fostering high-impact connections with American entrepreneurs, investors, and financial institutions. The festival serves as a vital platform for cross-continental collaboration, investment facilitation, and long-term sustainable business development.