We teach professionals how to think globally, but act locally.
REGISTRATION OPEN:
MARCH 14, 2025
In the Yoruba language, “nawo” means invest. This 12-day trip (June 3-15, 2025) will give a distinguished delegation of American professionals from government to healthcare an unprecedented opportunity to DEVELOP leadership insights, EXPLORE cultural diversity and INVEST in strategic partnerships with The Republic of Gambia (The Gambia) and Senegal. Our trip will culminate with the Nawo Forum in Banjul, Gambia, on June 12, 2025 – a one-day conference designed for delegates to share innovative solutions that can transform the future of Africa!
For the last 20 years, Dr. Austin’s socio-economic empowerment initiatives have served over 250,000 people in 34 countries including North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and 23 African nations including The Republic of the Gambia. Along her journey, however, she discovered that many of her American colleagues had never experienced Africa. So, she created the Nawo Economic and Cultural Development Summit to build a pipeline for professionals share skills, resources and sustainable solutions to advance Africa’s economy while restoring a relationship that has been tainted by a legacy of colonialism.
2019 NAWO SUMMIT
Our first delegation traveled to Nigeria in 2019 to mark the 400th commemoration of the first enslaved Africans brought to the shores of The Commonwealth of Virginia on August 25, 1619. Virginia was the first and last stop for more than 500,000 enslaved souls from Nigeria and Senegambia. 400 years later, as many as 55% of African-Americans that live in Virginia can trace their ancestry to Nigeria, The Gambia and Senegal. Shortly after our inaugural trip, the world was rocked by a global pandemic and we were forced to pause Nawo out of an abundance of caution. But we’re BACK and taking our next delegation to The Gambia and Senegal (June 3 - 15, 2025)!
2025 NAWO SUMMIT
A CURATED INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Africa is a gateway to the world! If you’re a professional who has always dreamed of changing the world with your expertise, then you’ll love this curated international experience! This year we're excited to invite our delegation to join us in The Republic of the Gambia and Senegal (June 3-15, 2025).
HERE ARE THE FACTS: Today, nearly 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa lives in abject poverty (less than $1.25 per day), but contrary to popular belief, Africa is not lacking in creativity, intellectual capital or natural resources, rather sustainable solutions. The long-lasting impact of colonial exploitation has fueled disparities such as climate change, poor education, food insecurity and inadequate infrastructure that need SOLUTIONS (maybe your solution)! Despite these challenges, Africa is home to some of the world’s 20 fastest growing economies! In 2023, Africa exported $614 billion worth of goods, and according to Standard Chartered Africa is expected to reach $1 trillion in exports by 2035.
The 2025 Nawo Summit will offer professionals a unique opportunity to explore these two beautiful countries, while developing business opportunities that make a difference. NO INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Just pack your skills, insatiable curiosity and passion for change. We’ll handle the rest! It’s important to understand each country’s diverse commerce, workforce, history and culture, so we’ve curated a series of activities from trade and leadership classes to cultural tours, business development meetings and our culminating Nawo Forum where delegates can present their work to some of the world’s top industry leaders:
DEVELOP
EXPLORE
Take trade, investment and leadership classes (Gambia and Senegal)
Attend high level business development meetings
(Gambia and Senegal)Network with industry leaders (Gambia and Senegal)
Tour mosques, markets and historic sites including Juffureh and Kunta Kinteh Island (Gambia)
Visit Goree Island and walk through the “Door of No Return” (Senegal)
Participate in a Traditional Naming Ceremony (Gambia)
INSPIRE
Experience breathtaking beaches (Gambia and Senegal)
Take organized arts and crafts trips (Gambia and Senegal)
Take traditional dancing and cooking lessons (Gambia)
See rare wildlife in Abuko Nature Reserve (Gambia)
Inspire the next generation of global leaders in a one-on-one meeting with the top 25 applicants to our inaugural Nawo Youth Social Entrepreneurship Competition. (Gambia)
Judge the Nawo Youth Social Entrepreneurship Competition. The top 10 applicants will receive funding to launch their business. (Gambia)
HEAR
INVEST
Present innovative business solutions at the Nawo Forum (Gambia)
Participate in panel discussions with industry leaders
Judge the Nawo Youth Social Entrepreneurship Competition
CREATE
CHANGE
Conduct a community project (Gambia and Senegal)
A portion of all proceeds will benefit the following organizations committed to advancing Africa:
- Gambia High School (Gambia)
- Lighting Up Lives! (Senegal)
- Alheri Village (Nigeria)
Celebrate Africa Day at Nawo Fest! (Gambia)
Hear the sounds of traditional West African music and international recording artists from America to The Gambia!
Taste the flavors of traditional West African cuisine.
Explore the arts and crafts of traditional artisans.
