As Africa’s economic and cultural influence continues to shape discussions beyond the continent, the intersection of investment, global partnerships and African storytelling is becoming increasingly important. Akunna Cook, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Next Narrative Africa, will bring this perspective to Africa Breakfast Convos (ABC) 2026, organised by BHM in collaboration with Allison. The fourth edition will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the World Trade Center in New York, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81). This comes at a pivotal moment as trade frameworks like AfCFTA and AGOA continue to open international corridors for African commercial and creative enterprises.
Cook’s work spans diplomacy, economic policy, law, media and strategic communications, giving her experience across several areas shaping Africa’s relationship with global audiences. She founded Next Narrative Africa to produce African stories for global audiences and, in 2024, launched the Next Narrative Africa Fund to finance film, television and other visual content produced in Africa. Her work through the company has positioned storytelling as part of a wider conversation about Africa’s place in global culture and commerce.
Before founding Next Narrative Africa, Cook served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under former United States President Joe Biden. She managed US relations with Southern African countries and led work covering economic policy, democracy and relations with international organisations across sub-Saharan Africa. The role placed her at the centre of US-Africa diplomatic and economic engagement.
Cook previously served as the founding Executive Director of the Black Economic Alliance and worked as a lawyer at Covington & Burling. She studied at Howard University, Harvard Kennedy School and Yale Law School. Her career across government, business, law and media has given her a broad view of the forces shaping Africa’s global engagement.
At ABC 2026, Cook will join Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central TV on a media-focused panel. Journalist and broadcaster Afua Hagan will moderate this discussion on how Africa can attract capital, strengthen partnerships and finance its next phase of growth.
The speaker lineup features Hackim Abdul, Director of Citi’s Public Sector Group for Africa; Yasamin Alttahir, Director of Global Marketing, Communications and External Affairs at The King’s Trust International; Otunba (Dr.) Bimbola Ashiru, Chairman, Blackcod Group and Group Director, Odu’a Investment Company Limited; Ayeni Adekunle, Chief Executive Officer of BHM Holdings; and Claudine Moore, Managing Director for Africa at Allison Worldwide.