The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of John Olajide as the incoming Chairman of the Board, effective from January 1, 2024. He will assume this role following the esteemed tenure of Dr. Jeffrey L. Sturchio, who has held the position of CCA Chairman since April 2016 and will continue to serve as a valued member of the CCA Board.
Mr. Olajide is a multifaceted individual, encompassing roles as an entrepreneur, investor, pioneer in home care solutions, civic leader, global community builder, and philanthropist. He is renowned as the Founder and CEO of Axxess, a prominent healthcare technology firm, and also as the Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited, a diversified investment conglomerate with interests spanning technology, agriculture, hospitality, fintech, energy, and various other sectors. Under Mr. Olajide’s astute leadership since its establishment in 2007, Axxess has expanded its footprint across the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Through Axxess and Cavista Holdings, he has made substantial contributions to enhancing global healthcare accessibility and generating employment opportunities across a multitude of industries.
Having previously served as Vice Chair of the CCA Board of Directors since 2022, Mr. Olajide brings a wealth of visionary leadership experience to his new role. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee at the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and attracting businesses to one of the most prosperous regions in the United States.
As the incoming CCA Chairman, Mr. Olajide is poised to play a central role in steering CCA’s mission and initiatives. His leadership will undoubtedly propel CCA to new heights by expanding its membership, serving the needs of CCA member companies and stakeholders, and strengthening trade, investment, and business partnerships between the United States and African nations.
“I am delighted to announce John Olajide as the new Chairman of the CCA Board,” said Florizelle Liser, President and CEO of CCA. ” John’s remarkable journey as a young Nigerian-American entrepreneur to a prominent, visionary leader of a rapidly growing multi-sector, global business is a testament to his dedication and innovation. His innovative mindset, leadership acumen, and deep commitment to improving the lives of people and communities in the United States and across Africa align perfectly with CCA’s goal to build on our 30-year history as the premier U.S. business association solely focused on Africa’s economic and business relationships with the United States.”
Mr. Olajide expressed his enthusiasm as the baton of CCA Board Chair passes to him from Dr. Sturchio at the beginning of 2024.
“I am honored to take on the responsibility of Chairman of the Board at Corporate Council on Africa,” Mr. Olajide said. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Jeff and to working with all the members of the CCA Board of Directors as well as with the remarkable team at CCA, U.S. and African government and private sector leaders, and other stakeholders to accelerate economic development, foster transformative partnerships between the U.S. and Africa, and improve the lives of people both here in the U.S. and across the continent.”
The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing chairman Dr. Sturchio for his invaluable contributions during his two separate terms as Chairman of the Board (2008-2009, 2016-2023). Under Dr. Sturchio’s leadership, CCA has made significant strides in advancing U.S.-Africa business relationships, promoting policy dialogue, and creating platforms for multi-stakeholder collaboration in key sectors contributing to growth and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, including, most recently CCA’s Health Security and Resilience Initiative.
“I am proud to have served as CCA’s chairman through an important period of transformation under Florie Liser’s leadership,” Dr. Sturchio said. “Together with our member companies and partners, we have had a meaningful impact on trade and investment opportunities between the U.S. and Africa. I am confident that CCA will be in good hands with John Olajide as the new Chairman. His broad-based experience and impressive accomplishments will serve CCA well in his new role. I look forward to working with John, Florie, and CCA’s diverse and multi-talented Board and staff on the transition over the coming months.”
As Mr. Olajide assumes the role of Chairman of the CCA Board of Directors at the beginning of 2024, Corporate Council on Africa eagerly anticipates a new chapter of transformative leadership, collaboration, and progress under his guidance.