Bridging Continents: The Power of Afro-Caribbean Cultural Exchange
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In this compelling episode of Just Business on JustGospel, host Carlett Badenhorst connects with Honorable Quadri Aduke Kennedy, President of the Afro-Caribbean Chamber of Culture and Tourism, for an insightful conversation that spans from South Africa to Nigeria, exploring the vital intersection of culture, tourism, and entrepreneurship across the African diaspora.
Kennedy brings impressive credentials as the immediate past aide of cultural and tourism for the African Union, having been instrumental in organizing major cultural events including the Festival of Art and Culture and African trade fairs in Cairo and beyond. His vision centers on reconnecting Africans across continents with their Caribbean brothers and sisters who share common cultural roots, culinary traditions, and heritage.
The conversation reveals a profound truth: culture is not just tradition—it's economic power. Kennedy emphasizes how culture encompasses entertainment, lifestyle, values, and politics, creating massive employment opportunities for young Africans. He points to Nigeria's thriving creative industry as proof that when properly harnessed, cultural enterprises can transform entire economies and provide sustainable livelihoods without dependence on traditional employment.
A key focus is the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which Kennedy sees as a gateway for strengthening economic ties between continental Africans and the Caribbean diaspora. Rather than directing resources to Western nations, he advocates for intra-African and Afro-Caribbean commerce that benefits the entire African family worldwide.
Kennedy addresses the critical need for Africans to reclaim and celebrate their cultural identity, noting how colonization introduced Western systems while extracting African cultural wealth. He distinguishes between culture—which defines identity and moral values—and tradition, emphasizing that culture must never be compromised even as Africa engages globally.
The chamber's work goes beyond festivals and conferences. It facilitates homecoming journeys for Caribbean descendants seeking their ancestral roots, promotes African tourism destinations, and creates platforms for meaningful business connections that transcend mere networking to generate real economic partnerships.
Looking ahead to 2026, Kennedy announces exciting initiatives including expanded African Union Day celebrations on May 25th and the second edition of the African Indigenous Leadership and Cultural Summit scheduled for Namibia in October, targeting youth engagement with African heritage.
This episode challenges listeners to recognize culture as Africa's competitive advantage in the global marketplace while maintaining authentic identity.
Kennedy brings impressive credentials as the immediate past aide of cultural and tourism for the African Union, having been instrumental in organizing major cultural events including the Festival of Art and Culture and African trade fairs in Cairo and beyond. His vision centers on reconnecting Africans across continents with their Caribbean brothers and sisters who share common cultural roots, culinary traditions, and heritage.
The conversation reveals a profound truth: culture is not just tradition—it's economic power. Kennedy emphasizes how culture encompasses entertainment, lifestyle, values, and politics, creating massive employment opportunities for young Africans. He points to Nigeria's thriving creative industry as proof that when properly harnessed, cultural enterprises can transform entire economies and provide sustainable livelihoods without dependence on traditional employment.
A key focus is the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which Kennedy sees as a gateway for strengthening economic ties between continental Africans and the Caribbean diaspora. Rather than directing resources to Western nations, he advocates for intra-African and Afro-Caribbean commerce that benefits the entire African family worldwide.
Kennedy addresses the critical need for Africans to reclaim and celebrate their cultural identity, noting how colonization introduced Western systems while extracting African cultural wealth. He distinguishes between culture—which defines identity and moral values—and tradition, emphasizing that culture must never be compromised even as Africa engages globally.
The chamber's work goes beyond festivals and conferences. It facilitates homecoming journeys for Caribbean descendants seeking their ancestral roots, promotes African tourism destinations, and creates platforms for meaningful business connections that transcend mere networking to generate real economic partnerships.
Looking ahead to 2026, Kennedy announces exciting initiatives including expanded African Union Day celebrations on May 25th and the second edition of the African Indigenous Leadership and Cultural Summit scheduled for Namibia in October, targeting youth engagement with African heritage.
This episode challenges listeners to recognize culture as Africa's competitive advantage in the global marketplace while maintaining authentic identity.
