Evelyn Van Der Puije’s Keynote Presentation at The Voice of Africa’s Diaspora Connect Room

In a stirring keynote address that captured both urgency and vision, Evelyn Van Der Puije—Vice President of The Voice of Africa and Founder of The Countess Foundation—opened the inaugural Diaspora Connect Room with a rallying cry: “Africa can’t wait.”

Standing before a room of ambassadors, investors, government officials, and changemakers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, Evelyn Van Der Puije set the tone for a new kind of engagement—one rooted in ownership, action, and unapologetic ambition.

“We are not just talking about Africa’s potential—we are building the bridges that make things happen,” she declared.

A Wake-Up Call to the Diaspora

Evelyn Van Der Puije addressed a hard truth: while global power dynamics shift and investment priorities change, Africa’s growth must no longer be tied to aid or dependency. She cited the reduction of U.S. funding in critical sectors like climate and infrastructure as a wake-up call—not a setback, but a signal for self-determination.

“Our growth must be led by us—by our businesses, our entrepreneurs, our investors, and the power of the diaspora,” she said. “Every investment, every partnership, every initiative we create today will determine the future of our continent.”

From Conversation to Action

More than just a convening, the Diaspora Connect Room represents a launchpad for deals, partnerships, and scalable impact. Through business pitch sessions, curated matchmaking, and vibrant showcases of African vendors and innovators, the event was structured to translate dialogue into measurable outcomes.

“We are here to do business, to build partnerships, and to drive investment where it truly matters.”

Evelyn Van Der Puije emphasized that the power of the diaspora lies not in proximity, but in participation. The room, she insisted, was designed for those ready to build—not someday, but now.

The Voice of Africa’s Expanding Footprint

She highlighted The Voice of Africa’s multifaceted work, detailing how its subsidiaries are shaping Africa’s narrative globally:

• TVOA Media: A platform giving voice to African stories and perspectives

• Experience Africa: Washington, D.C.’s largest Pan-African cultural gathering

• Ambassador of Africa Program: Empowering Africa’s youth to lead the future

• TVOA Trade, Investment & Tourism Forum: Connecting African businesses with global capital

• Experience Africa Tours: Offering immersive journeys to the continent for the diaspora

“The Voice of Africa is not just another organization—we are the gateway to unlocking Africa’s full potential.”

A Historic Moment

Evelyn Van Der Puije’s closing words challenged every attendee to step into history with intention:

“The future of Africa will be written by those who show up, invest, and build. Today, we are making history. Let’s turn this room into the starting point for Africa’s next great chapter.”

She also extended heartfelt thanks to the Johns Hopkins Africa Business Club, the event’s sponsors and partners, and the TVOA team for making the groundbreaking initiative possible.

As the room erupted in applause, one thing was clear: the movement had begun.

Watch the full interview here: