Busara Advisors is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Africa Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Africa newsletters.
Zambia Innovation & Investment Roadshow Featuring Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama
September 11, 2025
Buckhead Club, Atlanta
Zambian Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama first came to Atlanta in 1993. A young TV reporter at the time, he admired the city’s growth and connectivity as it prepared for the Olympics. But now? He feels a new kind of “chemistry” and a kinship with a city that seems to understand Africa’s growth trajectory intrinsically.
That’s partly why the ambassador has visited the city some 10 times in the last three years, headlining business and nonprofit events and build relationships. After appointing a new honorary consul here, he then chose Atlanta as one of three cities to host September’s Zambian Innovation and Investment Roadshow, the first such tour across the U.S.
Flanked by investors and experts at the Buckhead Club, Mr. Kanyama pitched a country focused on transformation, pursuing policy reforms and talent schemes that would help prove it worthy of generational investments in minerals, fintech, agriculture and other sectors.
During a wide-ranging discussion organized by Honorary Consul Anna Katema with sponsorship from Kennesaw State University and support from Global Atlanta, Mr. Kanyama was flanked by investors and experts who praised the country’s leadership as “practical, fast and honest” while remaining focused on boosting the well-being of everyday Zambians.
Sitting next to the ambassador at the Buckhead Club, mining and metals company Kobold’s Sandy Alexander wowed the crowd with infectious enthusiasm’s as he outlined the startup’s successful $2 billion investment in Zambia, buoyed by world-class local hires.
Other panelists agreed that this time around, countries like Zambia, which has massive copper deposits, have a chance to play the mineral game right by focusing on partnership that drives development by transferring knowledge rather than just extracting wealth.
They said this ethos was materializing with the Lobido Corridor running from Zambia to Angola, a railroad ecosystem focused around the export of minerals.
Mr. Kanyama also sought to persuade Zambia’s sizable diaspora to use their influence and success for the benefit of the home country, while inviting Atlantans to experience Zambia’s growing tourism sector, centered around Victoria Falls.
Speakers
MODERATOR:
PANELISTS:
John Woodward,
Managing Partner, JW Woodward Partners LLC
With 25 years of experience in global commerce, economic development, and commercial real estate, John has had the privilege of counseling hundreds of companies — from multinationals to SMEs — successfully enter and expand in the U.S. market. His work has spanned industries and continents, supporting headquarters relocations, advanced manufacturing projects, and strategic investments.
At the core of his approach is a deep understanding of how businesses grow — through smart site selection, economic incentives, public-private partnerships, and the right connections across government, corporate, and academic sectors. Whether assisting foreign-owned enterprises launching U.S. operations or guiding U.S. companies looking to grow internationally, John brings a practical, results-driven mindset shaped by public and private sector experience.
In addition to my professional roles, he serves as Honorary Consul for Slovakia, covering part of the US Southeast. He has also served on nonprofit and bilateral boards focused on economic development, international trade, and community growth.
As the global business landscape evolves, He is uniquely positioned to support strategic growth, facilitate market entry, and help communities and companies thrive.
Ambassador Chibamba Kanyama,
Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America
“In short, Zambia is building trust because investment requires confidence. Now, we’re turning risks into opportunities.”
Sandy Alexander
Chief Legal Officer, KoBold Metals
“We’re in the middle of investing more than $2 billion in the most important set of assets that we have worldwide … and our story is that our investment in Zambia have ben the most successful across our entire portfolio.”[Applause]
Obi Onuchukwu
Vice President, Business Development, Busara Advisors
“Companies look at the risk and they’re like, no, no, no, we don’t want to deal with it, and I think that’s where companies like us come in and … help you see it from a different lens. But I would also like to say that I think that U.S. companies need to take a leap of faith and move a little bit further.”
—On perceived risk in Africa and the threat of falling behind to China when many companies would prefer to work with the U.S.
Neil Diamond
President, South African Chamber of Commerce USA
“Zambia offers unique investment opportunities in agri-processing, in textiles, but also in small business development, and for most economies globally. Small and medium-sized enterprises are the largest employers in those economies … so when an investment is made in Zambia or trade with Zambia on a small and medium-sized business level, you’re actually contributing to the overall well-being of a society, of a community. “
(Re)live the Moment: Multimedia
Video
Recap
Full Event (Members Only):
The Pendleton Group is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Economic Development Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Economic Development newsletters.
Atlanta International School is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Technology Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Tech newsletters.
The Dean Rusk International Law Center at the University of Georgia is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Diplomacy Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Diplomacy newsletters.