Call to Action: Black Americans Encouraged to Champion African Brands and Enterprises—-Mrs. Elsie Appau Klu, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana-based fashion brand Ezel Fashion, has called on the Black community in the United States to actively support African-owned businesses by purchasing products made on the continent.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Black History Festival 2025 held at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park, Atlanta, Mrs. Klu emphasized that meaningful global impact by people of African descent would only be possible if they prioritised investing in and promoting African industries.
“We cannot make any impact or contribution on the rest of the world if we do not promote investments in industry,” she said.
The festival, themed “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade,” took place from March 28 to March 29, 2025, and served as a vibrant celebration of African heritage while fostering stronger economic ties between Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider diaspora. The event featured panel discussions, business exhibitions, cultural showcases, and networking sessions, culminating in the prestigious Black History Makers Awards Gala, which honoured outstanding leaders in business, culture, and public service.
During her remarks, Mrs. Klu warned of the economic risks facing Africa if the continent does not fully harness its potential.
“The world of business has become very complicated and competitive, and until Africans consciously become aware of themselves and their surroundings in promoting what is African and Black, we may become economically extinct soon,” she cautioned.
She pointed out that the global Black community represents a significant economic force and that this power can and should be channeled toward building African economies.
“Our economies have depended on others for many years by exporting natural resources like gold, textiles, and cocoa without any or limited value addition. That has to change,” she added.
Mrs. Klu stressed the importance of learning and transferring skills from abroad back to Africa, urging diasporans and Africans alike to embrace education, innovation, and entrepreneurship for the continent’s development.
“We must learn skills abroad quickly and be ready to apply these skills and techniques for the growth and development of our countries,” she said.
She further advocated for increased intra-African trade and a deliberate effort to instill pride in African culture among younger generations.
“We cannot build our economy by depending heavily on other countries’ products. It’s time we trade among ourselves and build the confidence of young people to believe in the African culture and diversity.”
Mrs. Klu, who also used the event to introduce Ezel Fashion’s clothing line to the U.S. market, expressed strong support for the Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA) initiative, which encourages consumers across the diaspora to patronize African products as a pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development.
“I appreciate and endorse the concept Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA), because that’s the only way we can strengthen our economies and reclaim our place in global trade,” she concluded.
Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Senel Media
