Angola HBCU High-Level Leadership Workshop Abstract : April 10, 2026

Workshop Overview

This high-level leadership workshop focused on strengthening partnerships between Angola and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026, at the African Union Nelson Mandela Conference Hall in New York. The agenda covered a range of critical topics, including higher education needs, diaspora engagement, and the unveiling of a proposed Angola HBCU higher education ecosystem and satellite campus model.

Morning Session Highlights

The morning session commenced with opening remarks from H.E. Francisco José da Cruz, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations, followed by a keynote address from H.E. Téte António, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola. H.E. Albano Vicente Lopes Ferreira, Minister of higher education, science, Technology, and Innovation, delivered an address on Angola's 'Higher Education Landscape and Needs'’ The session also included remarks from H.E. Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the African Union, and an interactive discussion with member states such as Namibia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. A significant event was the signing of 'Letters of Intent for Angola HBCU Partnerships,' with Brian Stephenson of DHA East Africa, Ltd., to present the 'Angola HBCU Higher Education Ecosystem: A Proposal.”

Afternoon Session Focus

The afternoon session delved into reparations and justice for people of African descent, including discussions on restitution and transatlantic legacy, Pan-Africanism for the African youth bulge, and the African diaspora among Native American tribes. This segment featured contributions from Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, Princess Hannah Mariam Meherete Selassie, and Professor Chuck Stead . Diaspora presentations covered the HBCU legacy and African villages among Native American tribes. Subsequent discussions focused on HBCU Satellite Campus Activities, with presentations on topics like Black Women Leaders, internationalization of HBCUs, Pan-African diplomacy, medical innovation, and AI economic development. The session concluded with the unveiling of a proposed model for the Angola HBCU Satellite Campus by Brian Stephenson and closing remarks from Honorable Minister Tete Antonio and Dr. Rita Cooma. Overall, the workshop served as a crucial platform for fostering educational and diplomatic ties, addressing historical injustices, and outlining a strategic framework for future collaboration between Angola and HBCUs, culminating in concrete steps towards establishing a robust higher education ecosystem.