ATLANTA – More than 3,000 attendees gathered at The National Business League’s 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta to hear a powerful keynote address by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the 26th president of the Republic of Liberia. This landmark event, cohosted in partnership with the National Alliance for Black Business and its co-founders — the National Black Chamber of Commerce, The World Conference of Mayors and their hundreds of Black-led member organizations — focused on enhancing economic partnerships and collaboration between Black American businesses and the African continent, with a particular emphasis on Liberia.
President Boakai’s participation in the conference is historically significant, drawing a direct line back to Booker T. Washington, founder of The National Business League, who played a crucial role in Liberia’s history. In 1907, facing the threat of annexation by European colonial forces, Liberia sought Washington’s diplomatic intervention. His successful efforts not only prevented foreign encroachment but also ensured Liberia’s survival and laid a foundation for Pan-Africanist relations. This connection underscores Washington’s enduring legacy in shaping African affairs, as detailed in the book Booker T. Washington and Africa: The Making of a Pan Africanist by Dr. Tyrene Wright, author and board member of The National Business League.
In his address, President Boakai emphasized the vast potential for economic collaboration between Liberia, the broader Pan-African community and the U.S. private sector. He highlighted the need for stronger economic ties and expanded opportunities for Black businesses globally. The conference, presented by major sponsors such as Amazon, Comerica Bank and Prosper Africa, attracted a diverse audience, including government officials, business leaders and representatives from 32 Pan-African countries.
Impactful outcomes and unprecedented support
The 124th National Black Business Conference, conducted entirely in a digital format, set new standards for engagement and impact within the Black business community. Thanks to the support from various partners and stakeholders, the conference achieved the following significant outcomes:
- Representation from 32 Pan-African countries and a keynote speech by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
- Attendance by 433 visiting delegates, 17 National Black Chambers of Commerce and 19 National Business Leagues.
- Participation from 132 U.S. and diasporic mayors, elected officials and 23 ambassadors.
- Facilitation of an estimated $10 million in buyer/supplier contract opportunities.
- Establishment of 28 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between key stakeholders.
- Hosting 82 workshops and panel discussions, alongside 23 neXGen (40 and Under) events.
- Attendance of 3,121 participants at the Pan-African Black Business Summit.
- 726 attendees — across 73 tables — at the Booker T. Washington Black Business Awards Gala.
- Involvement of 152 Black-led organizations and 34 corporate sponsors.
- Participation of 213 Black CEOs in the Pre-Conference Booker T. Washington Tuskegee Tour.
- Exhibition by 40 business resource organizations.
- 1,743 conference app downloads, generating 9,582 messages, 228 community board posts and 138 meet-ups.
- A significant digital footprint, including 873 photos posted, 1,546,000 social media marketing impressions and 347,027 conference app sponsor impressions.
Building a stronger future for Black businesses
This year’s conference laid a solid foundation for the recovery and growth of Black businesses, which were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Business League, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to expanding opportunities for Black businesses and organizing the world’s largest Pan-African diasporic Black Business Conference. By fostering these connections and creating pathways for economic engagement, the League aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.
Announcing the 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration
Looking ahead, The National Business League is proud to announce the 125th National Black Business Conference Quasquicentennial Celebration, scheduled for Aug. 20-23, 2025, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel in downtown Atlanta. This historic milestone will be co-hosted by the National Alliance for Black Business, the National Black Chamber of Commerce and The World Conference of Mayors. The event will bring together hundreds of Black-led organizations from across the nation to unite under a shared global Black business agenda, continuing the mission of fostering economic empowerment and growth among Black entrepreneurs throughout the Pan-African Diaspora and the 6th region, which includes the global African diaspora community. This expansive reach aims to reinforce solidarity, promote economic opportunities and strengthen the ties that bind Black entrepreneurs worldwide, furthering the legacy of Booker T. Washington’s vision for a united and prosperous Black business ecosystem.
About the National Black Business Conference
Founded by Booker T. Washington, The National Business League held its first National Black Business Conference on Aug. 23, 1900, in Boston. Over the years, the conference has evolved into a global Pan-African event through partnerships with the National Alliance for Black Business, the National Black Chamber of Commerce and The World Conference of Mayors. Together, these organizations are dedicated to advancing the success of Black-owned businesses in the United States and worldwide, making the National Black Business Conference one of the largest of its kind globally.
