2024 MINNESOTA EAST AFRICA BANQUET
OCTOBER 26, 2024
EVENT THEME
"Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities,”
Join us for an inspiring evening as we come together to celebrate cultural exchange and explore new avenues for collaboration!
The Minnesota East Africa Banquet will bring together decision-makers, business leaders, community leaders, diplomats, and stakeholders to focus on strengthening our communities, fostering mutual support, and enhancing the ties between Minnesota and East Africa.
We are also excited to unveil Minnesota Welcomes, a transformative initiative that celebrates the powerful stories of Minnesota’s East African community and their significant contributions to the state. This ambitious project aims to inspire greater civic participation within the East African Minnesotan community, ensuring their voices are more prominently heard in local governance and community affairs.
In addition, Minnesota Welcomes seeks to elevate Minnesota on the global stage by fostering stronger business connections between the state and East Africa promoting both economic growth and cultural exchange
Highlights of the evening include:
- Keynote Address: Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to the United States and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, will deliver a keynote briefing on the current situation in the East Africa region, highlighting its geopolitical and economic significance. He will also emphasize the importance of fostering strong relationships between Minnesota and East Africa, underscoring the region’s potential as a hub for trade, cultural exchange, and shared development opportunities.
- Fireside Chat: A thought-provoking discussion featuring Dr. John Pournoor, CEO and Founder of Government Analytica; Mathew Woodlee, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)/International Trade Administration (ITA) based in Minneapolis; and Abdiwahab Mohamed, Assistant Commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The conversation will be moderated by Thomas Hanson, Diplomat in Residence and Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations of Minnesota.This engaging panel will focus on enhancing U.S.-Africa relations through community-driven contributions and the role of diaspora diplomacy.
- Documentary Presentation: Abdurrahman Mohmud, entrepreneur, tech innovator, and executive producer at City of Nations Storytelling Studio, fiscally sponsored by Mixed Blood Theatre Company, will present a short documentary highlighting the significant contributions of the East African community to the economy of Minnesota. This insightful film explores the economic impact and entrepreneurial spirit of this vibrant community
- Musical Performances: Enjoy performances by the renowned Saint Olaf Somali-Scandinavia Music Collective and traditional East African/Somali musicians, offering a rich cultural experience that celebrates the vibrant heritage shared by Minnesota and East Africa.
Keynote Speaker
H.E. Mohamed Said Doualeh
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations and the Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to the United States.
With nearly 300 million people, East Africa has a young, rapidly growing population, coupled with an abundance of natural resources, access to key minerals for the green economy, and increasing importance in the geopolitical balance of power
Join us on October 26 to hear from the Ambassador Mohamed Said Doualeh as he emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships between Minnesota and East Africa.
Djibouti enhances East Africa’s geopolitical and economic significance due to its strategic location at a key global shipping route, hosting military bases from global powers like the U.S. and China. It serves as a vital trade hub for landlocked countries, especially Ethiopia, with modern port infrastructure. Djibouti’s political stability, investments in logistics, and efforts in renewable energy add to the region’s importance. Along with East Africa’s young population, abundant natural resources, and critical minerals for the green economy, Djibouti plays a key role in the region’s rising global influence.
“East Africa is a region of tremendous economic potential, with significant opportunities for growth and investment. Its strategic location and vibrant population make it a key player in the future of the African continent and the global economy.”— World Bank, in their report on East Africa’s economic prospects.
About the Ambassador
Ambassador Mohamed Siad Doualeh is the Permanent Representative of Djibouti to the United Nations and the Ambassador to the United States. He has previously served as Djibouti’s Ambassador to the UN, WTO, and Switzerland. Ambassador Doualeh has played significant roles in various diplomatic and peace processes, including being a Special Envoy to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD-led Process for Somalia and the Sudan Peace Process. He was involved in preparing the Somali case for international forums and participated in organizing the national reconciliation conference for peace in Somalia.
During his tenure in Geneva (2006-2015), he held several leadership roles, including Vice President of the Human Rights Council, Chairman of the Francophone Group of Ambassadors, and Chairman of CDIP. He has delivered numerous presentations on conflict resolution, human rights, and maritime security.
Ambassador Doualeh holds a Master’s degree in British and American Literature and Civilization and has conducted comparative research on the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and Thomas Carlyle. He is multilingual, fluent in French and English, with a working knowledge of Spanish and Arabic. He has received prestigious awards for his diplomatic efforts, including the “Médaille de l’Order National du 27 Juin” and “Commandeur de l’Order National du 27 Juin 1977”. Born on December 27, 1968, he is married with four children.
Fireside Chat/Event Speakers
Thomas Hanson
Diplomat in Residence, Chair Committee on Foreign Relations of Minnesota
Dr. John Pournoor
CEO and founder of Government Analytica
Abdiwahab Mohamed
Assistant Commissioner, MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Mathew Woodlee
Director, U.S. Commercial Service (USCS)/International Trade Administration (ITA)
Abdurrahman Mahmud
Entrepreneur, Tech Innovator and Executive Producer
Sanda CHAO
Ethiopia Desk Officer, U.S Dept of State Office of East African Affairs
Connecting Opportunities and Shaping Futures!
- Keynote Speakers: Hear from community leaders, decision makers, world-class experts in global politics, economics, and diplomacy.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet influential figures from various sectors, including community leaders, business and political leaders, diplomats, and scholars.
- Cultural Exchange: Gain insights into East African cultures and enhance your understanding of the region.
MNIHAS Experts
MNIHAS experts leverage deep ties and decades of experience working in East Africa to foster a better understanding of the region’s economics, cultures, and societies. Through original research, leading dialogues, public events, and collaboration with the media and the Minnesota community, our experts promote informed perspectives and meaningful engagement.
Our diverse team includes former East African leaders, U.S. diplomats, regional officials, academics, and prominent young scholars at the forefront of their fields, all dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering connections between Minnesota and East Africa.
Get Involved!
The generous contributions of MNIHAS members play a vital role in supporting our events, research, and programming, furthering our mission to enhance understanding of the East Africa region and its connections with Minnesota.
By joining as an individual or organizational member, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with regional experts, activists, business leaders, and policymakers at a variety of events throughout the year in Minnesota. Explore the membership level that best suits your needs and interests.
For more information, please contact us at: [email protected]
Partners/Sponsors/Promoters:
