Durban Hosts reSURGEnce Conference: A New Era for African Economic Empowerment

The much-anticipated reSURGEnce Conference has kicked off in Durban, bringing with it a wave of opportunities aimed at bolstering the African economy.

Convened by Reverend Dennis Dillon, this year’s conference, taking place officially from September 21 to 24 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, promises to reshape the narrative around African and American economic relations.

“For far too long, there has been a massive separation between Africans and Americans,” Dillon said in an interview with Daily News. He asserted that this year's conference sought to bridge that gap, emphasising a vision where more African products grace the shelves of Black communities in America. The reSURGEnce movement has established itself as a pivotal platform for fostering economic collaboration.

With a robust lineup of business leaders, investors, and clergy from across the globe in attendance, the conference aims to unlock numerous opportunities for attendees to embark on ventures and create meaningful connections.

The theme for 2025, "A Thicker Slice of the Economic Pie: Access. Connect. Thrive," sets the stage for two days  of the conference designated for business-to-business engagements.

These sessions will facilitate trade and investment opportunities across various sectors, with a firm focus on empowering entrepreneurs, youth, and women in driving global growth.

During the welcoming speech, Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli highlighted that this year's conference builds on previous achievements. “This reception is a celebration of partnerships that drive investment, trade, and empowerment,” he remarked, encouraging attendees to explore the exhibition for potential collaborations.

City Manager Musa Mbhele shared insights into the municipality's journey of preparation for this esteemed gathering. Reflecting on a pivotal trip to New York two years ago, Mbhele affirmed that the purpose of the visit was not to indulge in tourism, but to gain the skills necessary for hosting conferences intended to benefit local stakeholders.

“We went with purpose: to learn, to connect, and to bring back ideas that could transform our city,” he added. Prominent global voices like Dr George Fraser, bestselling author and president of FraserNet Inc., New York State Senator James Sanders, and civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton will grace the event and contribute to discussions on economic empowerment and collaboration.

Dillon expressed the essence of the gathering when he said: “Solidarity, synergy, and collaboration will be the order of the conference. We want to see the African diaspora working together, moving synergistically.”

DAILY NEWS