International

In an endeavor to drive international economic development, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) established a strategic partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, Africa, expanding its mission. In April 2023, H.E. Ibrahima Toure, the Ambassador from Cote d’Ivoire to the USA, engaged in discussions with Congressman Troy Carter and LCCF’s executive leadership in Louisiana, aiming to enhance opportunities between the countries and stimulate growth in local minority business organizations on both continents.

The collaboration gained momentum on May 25th, 2023, during the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation Chamber Day at the Capitol, where National Assembly President Adama Bictogo and a Cote d’Ivoire delegation joined Ambassador Toure. This event, attended by key figures such as Governor John Bel Edwards and Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, garnered significant local and international media attention, spotlighting economic development opportunities between Louisiana and Africa.

Further strengthening ties, the LCCF executive team visited Côte d’Ivoire in December 2023. This visit facilitated intentional relationships with industry leaders and the exchange of best practices, resulting in impactful partnerships with organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Côte d’Ivoire (AmCham-CI), VILLAGE DE L’INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIQUE, Millennium Challenge Account of Cote D’Ivoire, and Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d’Ivoire.

As LCCF remains steadfast in its commitment to driving economic growth in the state, particularly by empowering and sustaining the minority business community through local minority chambers, we invite contributions to support this impactful work. To donate, please visit: (https://louisianachamberofcommercefoundationinc.growthzoneapp.com/ap/donate/2rOVjBLx).

April 2023

Ibrahima TOURE – Ambassadeur de Cote d’Ivoire a Washington

Website: https://ambaciusa.org/collaborateur.html

May 2023

Ibrahima TOURE – Ambassadeur de Cote d’Ivoire a Washington

Website: https://ambaciusa.org/collaborateur.html

December 2023 

Millennium Challenge Account of Cote D’Ivoire 

Website: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/country/cote-divoire

Centre de Promotion des Investissements en Côte d’Ivoire

Website:  http://www.cepici.gouv.ci

American Chamber of Commerce in Côte d’Ivoire (AmCham-CI)

Website: https://amcham-ci.org

VILLAGE DE L’INNOVATION TECHNOLOGIQUE

Website: https://www.cfaci.org/index.php/2-non-categorise/42-le-village-des-technologies-de-l-information-et-de-la-biotechnologie

Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation Strengthens Global Connections for Louisiana Business Owners

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire to the United States, H.E. Ibrahima TOURE, hosted a luncheon with members of the African American business and academic community, including university professors, economic leaders, and influencers. The discussion centered on a cultural and economic discovery trip to Côte d’Ivoire in May 2025, aimed at fostering deeper ties between African Americans and their ancestral roots while unlocking new investment opportunities.

As part of our ongoing mission to create a global footprint for Louisiana business owners, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) is proud to engage with international partners to expand access to foreign markets, investment opportunities, and cultural exchange programs. This initiative aligns with our commitment to economic empowerment and global connectivity— ensuring that Louisiana businesses are positioned to thrive on an international scale.

Keynote speakers Dr. Jeanne Maddox Toungara and Dr. Sheila Walker, both of whom have spent extensive time in Côte d’Ivoire, shared insights on the importance of reconnecting the African diaspora with economic and cultural opportunities in Africa. Their discussion reinforced the potential for Côte d’Ivoire to become a premier destination for African American entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses and forge meaningful cross-continental partnerships.

Through strategic collaborations like this, LCCF continues to champion opportunities that drive economic growth and innovation for Louisiana’s Black business community-both at home and abroad. We look forward to working with our partners to build sustainable business relationships that will strengthen Louisiana’s presence on the global stage.

How to apply

If you’re interested in having technical assistance training for your business, click the link and fill out in its entirety LCCF INTAKE. A team member will respond within three (3) business days to assess your needs. We welcome the opportunity to help you grow your business!

LCCF Intake Form
Myriam Koné Administrative Analyst Office of International Expansion Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Myriam Koné

Administrative Analyst Office of International Expansion

OIEanalyst@labizspeaks.org