Event program

U.S. and Ghana Regional Business and Investment Roundtable

November 12, 2026, mHUB, Chicago, Illinois

MC: Nana Asante-Smith Esq., Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP

Run of show

12 items

Every item shows Central (Chicago), West Coast and GMT.

  1. 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM CST7:00 AM to 8:00 AM PST3:00 PM to 4:00 PM GMT

    Registration, VIP arrival and protocol

    All guests, dignitaries and speakers

  2. 10:00 AM to 10:05 AM CST8:00 AM to 8:05 AM PST4:00 PM to 4:05 PM GMT

    Welcome remarks

    Senator Preston

  3. 10:05 AM to 10:07 AM CST8:05 AM to 8:07 AM PST4:05 PM to 4:07 PM GMT

    Host remarks

    mHUB representative

  4. 10:07 AM to 10:12 AM CST8:07 AM to 8:12 AM PST4:07 PM to 4:12 PM GMT

    GIPA video

    GIPA

  5. 10:12 AM to 10:14 AM CST8:12 AM to 8:14 AM PST4:12 PM to 4:14 PM GMT

    Introduction of the Ambassador

    Adjoa B. Asamoah

  6. 10:14 AM to 10:44 AM CST8:14 AM to 8:44 AM PST4:14 PM to 4:44 PM GMT

    Ambassador’s remarks, 30 minutes

    H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith

  7. 10:44 AM to 10:59 AM CST8:44 AM to 8:59 AM PST4:44 PM to 4:59 PM GMT

    GIPA presentation

    GIPA representative

  8. 10:59 AM to 11:09 AM CST8:59 AM to 9:09 AM PST4:59 PM to 5:09 PM GMT

    Region 17 remarks

    Maabena Webb

  9. 11:09 AM to 11:24 AM CST9:09 AM to 9:24 AM PST5:09 PM to 5:24 PM GMT

    Marketing, real estate and global investment

    Dr. Makeda Smith

  10. 11:24 AM to 11:39 AM CST9:24 AM to 9:39 AM PST5:24 PM to 5:39 PM GMT

    Q&A

    Speakers and participants

  11. 11:39 AM to 11:44 AM CST9:39 AM to 9:44 AM PST5:39 PM to 5:44 PM GMT

    Closing remarks

    Nana Asante-Smith

  12. 11:44 AM to 12:44 PM CST9:44 AM to 10:44 AM PST5:44 PM to 6:44 PM GMT

    Lunch and networking

    All participants

Speakers

Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith in a blue suit beside the flag of Ghana

H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith

Ambassador of Ghana to the United States of America

Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith is a seasoned Ghanaian politician, diplomat, statesman, and investment consultant whose distinguished career spans over three decades of public service, diplomacy, and private-sector advisory. With an exceptional blend of political acumen, diplomatic tact, and strategic foresight, he has served Ghana with distinction both at home and on the international stage.

His professional footprint covers a rich portfolio of high-level leadership roles, including serving as Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, Eastern Regional Minister, and Presidential Advisor across three administrations. In each of these roles, Ambassador Smith has demonstrated a rare ability to lead with integrity, manage complex negotiations, and facilitate investments with national significance.

As CEO of Victor Smith & Associates, he has been instrumental in catalyzing foreign direct investment into West Africa, brokering deals exceeding US$250 million in sectors such as energy, mining, agribusiness, and infrastructure. His work continues to support investors in navigating political and regulatory landscapes across the sub-region.

Ambassador Smith’s diplomatic engagements have significantly elevated Ghana’s global profile, notably achieving an 18% increase in bilateral trade between Ghana and the UK during his tenure as High Commissioner. He is credited for launching high impact diaspora outreach programs and strengthening B2B collaborations through platforms like the Ghana-Central Europe Business Council.

Academically grounded with an MBA in International Business from the University of Wales Business School and a BSc. (Hons) in Maritime Studies, Ambassador Smith is a well-rounded professional whose intellectual preparation has underpinned his effective diplomacy and executive leadership.

He is a patron, board member, and mentor committed to grooming the next generation of leaders and professionals. A member of the Professional Forum of the NDC, and affiliated with the Ghanaian Professionals Network UK, he brings not only expertise but also an unwavering dedication to nation-building.

Fluent in English, with working knowledge of French and native Ghanaian dialects, Ambassador Smith is not just a man of titles, but a man of impact, one whose legacy continues to inspire national and continental progress.

Dr. Makeda Smith smiling, in a royal blue top and gold necklace

Dr. Makeda Smith, Hon. D.Phil.

Founder and CEO, Kingdom Citizens in Real Estate™ (KCIRE)

Dr. Makeda Smith, Hon. D.Phil. is an international entrepreneur, real estate strategist, global speaker, author, and Kingdom leader with more than 22 years of experience in the real estate industry. She is the Founder and CEO of Kingdom Citizens in Real Estate™ (KCIRE), a global investment movement connecting diaspora investors to international real estate, business, and economic opportunities.

Through the Global Marketplace & Economic Summit, she brings together investors, developers, government representatives, and business leaders to advance cross-border investment and economic collaboration.

As the founder of Makeda Smith Global Ministries, her work also centers on identity, Kingdom leadership, purpose, and nation-building. Her message challenges individuals to move beyond personal success and build structures, opportunities, and legacies that will outlive them.

Her philosophy: The assignment is bigger than you. The impact should outlive you.

The Resetting Ghana Agenda

4:08. Tap play to load. Captions coming soon.

More videos

Ask about the event

Answers come only from the speakers, run of show and video list on this page.

Automated answers can be wrong. They are not advice on citizenship, visas or residence.

Back to Region 17 home

Region 17 membership is a standing in a community. It is not a government document and confers no citizenship, residence, visa, or right of entry.