The October AACC Networking event focused on sport and sport infrastructure.
Sport is a unifying activity crossing cultural and political boundaries and building strong connections between communities. The networking event focused on opportunities for a variety of contacts to be made, from Ghanaian soccer recruiters to architects responsible for the planning and development of sophisticated stadia and other sporting infrastructure. An additional highlight was a presentation from an Angolan international soccer star, @Mr Vata Garcia. He outlined his life, playing international football for Portugal through to playing for Indonesia, and finally settling in the west of Melbourne where he now coaches junior soccer.
@Chris Smiles, Principal at Smartform Architecture, spoke about the development of stadia and the importance of legacy infrastructure, plus grassroots sporting fields for a range of sports and of their work in the Middle East.
@Sara Jackson, from @Jackson Architects, outlined her experience in local and international stadium development, including her work in Hong Kong at Kai Tak Sports Park Reference Design, San Ko Pong, and Yuen Long Stadium, Yuen Long.  She also emphasised the importance of the multi-use of stadia as 365-day venues to include hospitality facilities, retail outlets, health and wellness facilities and tourist attractions.
The event was joined by Dr @Ernest Yeboah Acheampong (PhD) and Kaykay Erzuah from Ghana, who outlined the opportunities for incorporating African talent into Australia's sports ecosystem, building economic growth and business opportunities.
They highlighted their research, which revealed that the two well-established academies in Ghana (RTD and West African Football Academy-WAFA) are in the process of expanding to other areas due to the economic benefits of such projects in Ghana. They are looking forward to working with AACC and supporters on the proposal and to see it to fruition soon.

Description goThe Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce (AACC) met with the Angolan Ambassador to Australia, Mr António Luvualu De Carvalho to discuss building pathways to business between Angola and Australia, including pursuing initiatives with the Angolan Investment Agency (AIPEX) and the Institute for Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (INAPEM).

The Ambassador formally invited Mr Duncan Harris, President of AACC, to the Angola Transport and Logistics Hub Summit, in Luanda, 15-17 October.
Further discussions focused on establishing a Business Forum between Australia and Angola and recognising the 50 years of engagement between Angola and Australia.

Mr Vata Garcia, former Angolan striker, top scorer in Portugal, Golden Boot winner, now in Melbourne, joined the meeting and the possibility of an exhibition match between Angola and Australia was discussed. This high profile event would bring significant sporting and business opportunities and build strong relationships. Mr Garcia will be a guest at the next AACC Networking event, 22 October, Sport: Australia - Africa Connections full details are available on the website: https://lnkd.in/gbFnS5GX.

At the closure of the 14th World Chamber Congress (WCC) we are encouraged by

The energy and power of the global network of chambers, building partnerships and collaborations with each other, governments and businesses for prosperity.

AACC built on this theme to bring together delegates from Africa at a side event

Business Briefing at International Chamber House, welcoming international delegates, AACC members and supporters.

Duncan Harris, President of AACC, outlined plans for the chamber and highlighted the opportunities that are in Africa, outside mining, particularly in the area of workforce recruitment, through the Elevate Africa Alliance. The Alliance was further outlined by @ Ross Stewart, CEO of the venture connecting skilled African graduates with positions in the international market, with the graduates remaining in their own country.

International guest, Mr Arif Zawan, Executive Director, Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (BWN) highlighted the strong connection between the African countries and the Commonwealth, noting that these relationships provide a significant advantage with the reduced cost of doing business between the countries.

Mr Gabriel Idahosa, FCA, President and Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted the importance of chambers of commerce as key

contacts for doing business and the value in seeking information and contacts from the chambers to ensure successful business outcomes.

The success of energy production and agriculture, @ Stephen Todd, Voltfarmer, was presented as a future pathway with project implementation in Zambia providing local communities with an income from both energy and agricultural products.

The networking session following presentations concluded the event and a successful World Chamber Congress, placing chambers as crucial organisations in building businesses and prosperity.

Description goCareers: - Africa to the World
AACC latest networking event hosted Ross Stewart, CEO and Founder of Global Careers Africa, presenting a comprehensive program for elevating and engaging the skilled workforce across Africa.
The program outlined the selection, training and support provided to unlock the full potential of Africa’s youth. building an integrated, Pan-African workforce development and international employment ecosystem that is inclusive, scalable, and globally connected.
The program will respond to skill shortages across many different markets, while providing a pathway for prosperity and security.
AACC looks forward to working with Global Careers Africa in the coming years to build a strong forward looking connection between Africa and Australia.es here

The latest AACC Networking evening, New Cities in Africa, provided an inspiring presentation by Dean Landy, as he highlighted the opportunities available through the Rendeavour city projects across Africa. The sustainable, planned cities across five countries will provide full urban development from housing, education facilities, light industrial and high tech industries, all underpinned by well developed infrastructure, including roads, energy, and water management.

The Zimbabwe Ambassador, the Honorable Joe Tapera Mhishi, as well as Zimbabwe Minister Plenipotentiary Saston Mapfak Machigere, joined other guests and AACC members for the evening to understand the progress and opportunities with these developments.

https://www.rendeavour.com/

AACC held it's latest monthly networking session on Fintech for trade and investment, with three key speakers;

Cameron Neil - LendForGood - cam@lendforgood.com.au

https://lendforgood.io/

Hashim Omar - MasterRemit - hashim.omar@masterremit.com

https://masterremit.com/

Opeloyemi Adesina - Fulgo Mobile - opeloyemi.adesina@fulgomobile.com

https://fulgomobile.com.au/

The presentations covered fintech small loans for specific projects, managed through the LendForGood program, a money transfer business and the use of cryptocurrency in the development of a new moble phone network.

The recent AACC Agriculture in Africa - Opportunities networking event highlighted the growing influence of technology in animal reproduction and herd improvement, outlined by James Scuderi from GLOSTA. The presentation outlined the opportunity for a rapid increase in herd size and quality through the GLOSTA technology, focusing on future PPPs with government engagement in Zimbabwe.

Stephen Todd from Volt Farmer outlined the holistic approach to incorporating energy technology with sustainable farming practices, highlighting the grassroots benefits to individual farmers, local communities and smaller organisations in Zambia.

The event concluded after a vigorous Q&A session with thanks to the presenters and guests.