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South Africa and Atlanta: Partnership Beyond Politics
February 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
South Africa and Atlanta: Partnership Beyond Politics
Exploring a Grassroots Future for the Atlanta Phambili Initiative
Last year’s Atlanta Phambili (“forward”) initiative, driven by the outgoing U.S. ambassador, promised a newly productive chapter in South Africa’s relationship with Atlanta, one already grounded in longstanding commercial collaboration, civil-rights linkages and university partnerships.
But with a new administration in Washington, the bilateral winds have shifted considerably, and keeping forward momentum will require a bottom-up approach driven by sub-national players like the City of Atlanta, as well as investment and trade interests on both sides of the Atlantic.
Join Global Atlanta and Ethiopian Airlines at Miller & Martin PLLC to hear from city leaders, South Africa trade experts and local investors who joined Mayor Andre Dickens’ December delegation to Johannesburg and Cape Town, which was aimed at solidifying grassroots partnerships that will last beyond the politics of the moment.
During the event, Global Atlanta will also release a special report based on Managing Editor Trevor Williams’ Dispatch from South Africa last June, underwritten by Ethiopian Airlines.
Featured Speakers
Paulina Guzman
Director,
Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs
Mourad Dakhli
Associate Dean for International Student Engagement and Partnerships,
Georgia State University Robinson College of Business
Dr. Mourad Dakhli is a professor and practitioner of International Business whose research explores how human and social capital processes generate value across diverse cultural and institutional settings, focusing on their implications for innovation and entrepreneurship—his active research agenda bridges practice-focused inquiry with the scholarship of teaching and learning.
With professional experience spanning four continents and engagement in over two dozen countries, Dr. Dakhli has led capacity development initiatives, directed operations for a binational chamber of commerce, and designed, implemented, and assessed high-impact practices in international higher education.
He holds certifications in Business Analytics, Six Sigma Black Belt, and is recognized as a Master Teacher. His contributions to academia have been honored with the 2018 GSU Fellowship Award, the 2020 GSU Instructional Innovation Award, and the 2021 Robinson College of Business Teaching Excellence Award.
Dr. Dakhli is a Faculty Affiliate of the Atlanta Global Studies Center and the Middle East Studies Center, where he continues to advance global engagement, cross-cultural collaboration, and transformative learning experiences.
Neil Diamond
President
South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA
(SACCUSA)
Neil Diamond is widely recognized as a leader and authoritative voice in global trade, particularly in advancing binational trade between the United States and Southern Africa. As an expert in international economic development, he currently serves as the President of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA), where he champions initiatives that promote bilateral trade, drive international business development, and facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) between the United States and Southern Africa. Neil is also an active member of the New York South African Business Council (NYSABC) and the International South African Business Chambers (ISABC), further solidifying his role as a key advocate for trade and global economic collaboration.
With extensive experience in business and government, Neil has consistently delivered strategic solutions to foster economic growth and innovation. His tenure as a trusted strategic advisor to the former Deputy President of South Africa on local government and economic development equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersection between governance and business. Neil’s ability to forge influential global partnerships has been pivotal in advancing trade relations and creating new investment opportunities for Southern African businesses in the United States.
As a highly sought-after speaker, Neil addresses international conferences on pressing topics such as economic development, trade relations, and the digital transformation of global economies. His thought leadership extends to the publication of papers on strategies for economic growth in Africa and numerous articles on trade, investment, and tourism. These contributions underscore his commitment to empowering African businesses and sub-national governments with actionable insights to navigate the complexities of global trade.
Fluent in English and Afrikaans, with proficiency in Dutch and Zulu, Neil’s linguistic skills enhance his effectiveness in fostering cross-cultural communication and collaboration in international settings. His career reflects a resolute dedication to driving global trade, strengthening the economic ties between the U.S. and Southern Africa, and advancing sustainable economic growth through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Larry Yon
Co-Founder & President
CyberAlliance
Larry Yon II is a globally recognized expert with nearly two decades of experience driving U.S.-Africa economic engagement. He has advised governments, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and high-growth startups ininternational market expansion, investment, trade, and digital transformation.
He is the Co-Founder and President of CyberAlliance, a 7x award-winning global cybersecurity firm, ensuring that the promise of technology is realized. Cyber Allliance’s portfolio of clients that range from the United States largest businesses to startups in South Africa. He is also the Founder of B-Direct, the firstAfrica-centric corporate board prep and placement company.
Larry serves as Chairman of Africa Diaspora Invests (ADI), a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing U.S. investment into Africa’s startup ecosystem. ADI has hosted African delegations in the U.S., organized global investment summits, and curated immersive investor tours to South Africa. These initiatives have fostered strategic partnerships between African fund managers, U.S. investors, and international development institutions.
Furthering his influence in venture capital, Larry is a portfolio advisor with Africa’s most active VC, Launch Africa, and a Fund Advisor to Johannesburg-based Anza Capital. His work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph R. Bidenand the Cyber Newcomer of the Year Award from the Institute of Cyber Security Zimbabwe.
His deep-rooted connections in South African leadership circles include collaborations with the late Winnie Mandela and the late King Zwelithini of the Zulu nation, reinforcing his commitment to cultural and economic empowerment.
Beyond business, Larry has led philanthropic efforts to open libraries in South African townships, working alongside corporate and nonprofit partnersto expandeducation and literacy resources.
A respected thought leader and speaker, Larry’s insights have been featured in GQ South Africa, Inc. Africa, ShoppeBlack, and other major media outlets. He has spoken at numerous global conferences and podcasts, on conversations that support shared prosperity between the United States and Africa’s in a new global economy.
Lorna Maseko
Award-Winning Celebrity Chef, Cookbook Author & Television Host
South African Chef Lorna Maseko is a ballet dancer turned award-winning celebrity TV
chef. Her culinary adventures began when she participated in the first-ever Celebrity MasterChef on DSTV, where she made it to the final top 6 contestants. This experience
inspired her to launch a series of cooking events titled “Cooking with Lorna and Friends,” which has grown significantly, attracting a large following of food lovers across the country.
Chef Lorna was the host and executive producer of The Hostess with Lorna Maseko, a
lifestyle reality series for food and entertainment enthusiasts. In 2018, she released her first cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, which won two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2019. Additionally, she received a Taste Award in 2021 for Lorna With a Pinch of Salt and The Hostess With Lorna Maseko.
Currently, she hosts Homegrown Tastes South Africa, now in its second season, where
she explores South Africa’s unique landscapes and local cuisines. The show airs on
BBC Lifestyle. This year, Chef Lorna has been nominated for two SAFTA awards: Best
TV Presenter and Best Lifestyle Programme. Additionally, she has appeared as a guest
judge on Top Chef All Stars season 20 and has a cookware line available on HSN.
Lorna has recently been appointed as executive chef for South African Airways for 2025, you can enjoy her menu in business class.
