The Global Black Economic Forum

Business Summit

The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit convenes leaders across industries for dynamic conversations, strategic partnerships, and bold visions of collective prosperity. Together, we are reshaping markets, building power, and creating pathways for lasting change.

New perspectives, new partnerships, and new ideas took center stage — all rooted in a shared commitment to economic opportunity. The summit affirmed what we know: when we lead together, we build a future that works for all of us.

The 2026 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

Rewatch the 2026 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit Panels:

The Global Black Economic Forum

Business Summit

The Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit convenes leaders across industries for dynamic conversations, strategic partnerships, and bold visions of collective prosperity. Together, we are reshaping markets, building power, and creating pathways for lasting change.

New perspectives, new partnerships, and new ideas took center stage — all rooted in a shared commitment to economic opportunity. The summit affirmed what we know: when we lead together, we build a future that works for all of us.

The 2026 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

Rewatch the 2026 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit Panels:

Declaration of Independence Engagement

Declaration of Independence Discussion

Women's Health & Wellness

The Joy Reid Show

Health Care Under Attack: What You Need to Know Now

The State of the Workforce for Black Women

The Power of Black Philanthropy: Investing in Our Future

Black Men's Roundtable

All Roads Lead to the South: Black Voters Matter - How We Fight for Our Rights, Protect Our People, and Nation Build!!!

Workforce Investment and the Future of Economic Mobility

How Black led institutions and leaders are building and sustaining the infrastructure that shapes American democracy

How to Use Social Platforms to Inform Your Health

Trust Black Women: Redefining the Future of Bodily Autonomy, Maternal Health, Sexuality, and Culture for Our Collective Liberation

Reclaiming the Narrative: The Shifting Media Landscape and What It Means for Your Livelihood

Sistas, Say It Louder: Reclaiming Power, Pleasure and Protection in Black Women's Health

Midterms and Voting

250 Anniversary of the United States

Lyrics on Trial: The Battle for Free Expression in the Courtroom

The Future of Work: Unlocking Apprenticeships and Alternative Career Pathways

Career Reinvention: Stay Ready So You Never Have To Get Ready

Reports and Data You Should Know About, News You Can Use

Seats at the Table: Protecting Black Power After Callias

Unlocking the Vote for People Who are Justice Impacted

Leaders on the Front Lines

2025 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

2025 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

Rewatch the 2025 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit Panels:

Rewatch the 2025 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit Panels:

2024 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

The Global Black Economic Forum’s Global Business Summit at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture was an invite-only convening of world leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers worldwide. The Summit serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, providing a platform where leaders from various sectors come together to collaborate, innovate, and strategize. Through dynamic discussions and impactful networking opportunities, the summit aims to drive actionable solutions that propel global economic justice.

At the 2024 Business Summit, speakers included Vice President of Columbia Francia Marquez; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Minister of Information, Communication & Technology for Namibia Emma Theofelus; Administrator for the Small Business Administration Isabel Casillas Guzman; Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith; President & CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc. Daniel O’Day; President of MSNBC Rashida Jones; Executive Director of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center for Women and Development Oley Dibba-Wadda and many more!

2024 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

The Global Black Economic Forum’s Global Business Summit at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture was an invite-only convening of world leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers worldwide. The Summit serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, providing a platform where leaders from various sectors come together to collaborate, innovate, and strategize. Through dynamic discussions and impactful networking opportunities, the summit aims to drive actionable solutions that propel global economic justice.

At the 2024 Business Summit, speakers included Vice President of Columbia Francia Marquez; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Minister of Information, Communication & Technology for Namibia Emma Theofelus; Administrator for the Small Business Administration Isabel Casillas Guzman; Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith; President & CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc. Daniel O’Day; President of MSNBC Rashida Jones; Executive Director of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Center for Women and Development Oley Dibba-Wadda and many more!

2023 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

2023 Global Black Economic Forum Business Summit

The Global Black Economic Forum’s Global Business Summit at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture convened world leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers worldwide. The Summit serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, providing a platform where leaders from various sectors come together to collaborate, innovate, and strategize. Through dynamic discussions and impactful networking opportunities, the summit aims to drive actionable solutions that propel global economic justice. 

At the 2023 Business Summit many issues were addressed including developing a global opportunity economy & centering women leaders; redefining philanthropy for the future, the future of health care, the impact on Black lives and the role of corporations in advancing economic equality; the banking crisis, its impact on Black investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs; and defining the “S” in ESG.

Speakers included Former President of Liberia and Nobel Prize Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris; Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield; President & CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc. Daniel O’Day; Co-Founder & Partner, Monarchs Collective and Chairman Emeritus of BET Networks Debra Lee and many more!

The Global Black Economic Forum’s Global Business Summit at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture convened world leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers worldwide. The Summit serves as a catalyst for meaningful change, providing a platform where leaders from various sectors come together to collaborate, innovate, and strategize. Through dynamic discussions and impactful networking opportunities, the summit aims to drive actionable solutions that propel global economic justice. 

At the 2023 Business Summit many issues were addressed including developing a global opportunity economy & centering women leaders; redefining philanthropy for the future, the future of health care, the impact on Black lives and the role of corporations in advancing economic equality; the banking crisis, its impact on Black investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs; and defining the “S” in ESG.

Speakers included Former President of Liberia and Nobel Prize Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris; Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield; President & CEO of TIAA Thasunda Brown Duckett; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead Sciences, Inc. Daniel O’Day; Co-Founder & Partner, Monarchs Collective and Chairman Emeritus of BET Networks Debra Lee and many more!

Join Us In Action

Become part of our global community working to make economic justice a reality for all.

© 2025 Global Black Economic Forum. All Rights Reserved.

Join Us In Action

Become part of our global community working to make economic justice a reality for all.

© 2025 Global Black Economic Forum.

All Rights Reserved.