The Los Angeles City Council observed Africa Day with a program honoring diaspora leaders and organizations and a discussion of opportunities to expand trade, cultural exchange and economic engagement with African nations.

Why it matters: Councilmembers framed stronger ties with African countries as an opportunity to grow trade and cultural exchange for Los Angeles ahead of the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. Council staff and partners described preliminary outreach and listening sessions that identified potential actions for greater engagement.

What was presented: Councilmember Curren Price led the program and introduced Carolyn d. Webb Demarcazes, chief of staff to Mayor Karen Bass, who read the mayor's remarks and recognized members of the African Consular Corps. Price reviewed continental demographics and economic growth projections, noting the potential for increased engagement with Africa as populations and markets expand.

Price and invited speakers discussed a proposed strategy to strengthen Los Angeles's trade and investment connections with Africa. The mayor's office of international affairs and Carnegie California Institute had led listening sessions in 2024 with diaspora stakeholders to surface opportunities; Councilmember Price said those conversations supported developing an "LA-Africa trade and investment strategy." He also outlined a proposed "Africa World" marketplace concept to be located in South LA, described as an indoor-outdoor hub for art, food, exhibitions and commerce that could coincide with major events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.

Speakers and honorees included Terri Batch, president and CEO of Global LA, who described efforts to promote investment in underserved Los Angeles communities; Dr. Thaddeus Balai (US Africa Institute) who framed Africa Day as unity and exchange; and Jack Corru Latua of Silverback Coffee, who described his Rwanda-based supply chain and retail partnerships in Los Angeles.

Carolyn d. Webb Demarcazes said the mayor's office values diplomatic and diaspora ties and encouraged stronger partnerships. "Here's to celebrating heritage, unity, and progress, and to continue the work in building a stronger and more connected Los Angeles together," she said.

Ending: Councilmembers presented honors to organizations and entrepreneurs working on Africa-LA engagement and urged follow-up on trade, cultural programming and partnership-building ahead of upcoming global events.