Good afternoon, distinguished guests, partners, and friends.
On behalf of Vitendo4Africa and the more than 30,000 African immigrants who now call St. Louis home, it is a true honor to accept the Growing Global Ambassador Award.
First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Purity, and our three children—Anne, Abigail, and James—along with the Vitendo4Africa board, staff, volunteers, and partners. Your unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the foundation of this journey. Without your support, none of this work would be possible.
Over 13 years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Tim Nowak, who shared with me his unforgettable experiences in Kenya. During his visit, he was even given a Kikuyu name—Njuguna—which means “one who brings wealth” or “the provider,” a name that speaks to his spirit of generosity and vision. That conversation planted a powerful idea: to organize trade missions to Kenya and other African countries. From that seed, extraordinary growth has followed—the formation of the African Chamber of Commerce, strong partnerships with the St. Louis Mosaic Project, A trip to Kigali Rwanda, the launch of the Kenya Kids exhibit at the Magic House, and today, for the very first time in history, we gather here at the 2025 Growing Global event under the theme: Africa Rising: Navigating Markets, Investment, and Trade.
To our African friends: Tim Nowak, Rodney Crim, Stella Sheehan, Annie Mbale or the African Queen, Suzanne Sierra, Betsy Cohen , Segun and Gilberto—thank you for your consistency, your vision, and your commitment to uplifting our immigrant community and all international populations in St. Louis.
Vitendo4Africa is humbled to be associated with the World Trade Center St. Louis—one of the top 10 percent of World Trade Centers globally. With the support of St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis, we continue to bring hope and healing to hundreds of immigrant and refugee children through mental health programs in art and dance therapy, reaching more than 30 schools and expanding cultural exchange programs.
Together with our partners, we have welcomed and settled hundreds of nurses and teachers into local hospitals and schools, mentored thousands of youth preparing for college and careers, and watched many of them go on to represent St. Louis and Missouri on national platforms.
For more than 16 years, Vitendo4Africa has empowered and supported over 25,000 immigrants and refugees from 27 different nationalities, creating lasting impact in St. Louis and beyond.
Today, Africa is rising as a key player on the global stage. With over 1.3 billion people across 54 countries, a rapidly growing middle class, improving infrastructure, and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, Africa represents one of the most dynamic markets in the world. With new connections such as Lufthansa’s direct flight from St. Louis to Germany, the upcoming Africa trade mission, and the Senegal–St. Louis Sister City partnership, the ship has indeed taken off. St. Louis is on the path to connect with the fastest-growing population and economy in the world.
We often say in our road safety TRACTION program: buckle up, phone down. Today, I add—sit back and open your eyes. Open them to the new horizons of Africa Rising, where markets are expanding, partnerships are waiting, and history is being written. The journey has begun, and I invite you to be part of it.”
And as an African proverb reminds us “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Safari tourism in Africa reflects this spirit—it is not just about the journey, but about the connections, discoveries, and shared experiences along the way.
Thank you St Louis for walking this journey with us. Together, we will continue building bridges, empowering communities, and embracing the boundless opportunities of a rising Africa.
Asante Sana!
