Corporate Council on Africa appoints John Olajide as board chair

The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has announced John Olajide as its new board chairman.

In a statement, the council said Olajide’s position is effective from January 1, 2024.

He succeeds Jeffrey Sturchio, who has served as CCA chairman since April 2016.

According to CCA, Olajide’s position as chairman will play a pivotal role in guiding the council’s mission and initiatives, and will “undoubtedly” steer CCA toward new heights.

The council added that in his capacity as chairman, Olajide will also help in serving CCA member companies and other stakeholders, and enhance trade, investment, and business partnerships between the United States and African nations.

“Mr. Olajide is an entrepreneur, investor, care at home innovator, civic leader, global community builder and philanthropist,” CCA said.

“He is the Founder and CEO of Axxess, a leading healthcare technology company, and Chairman of Cavista Holdings Limited, a diversified holding and investment company with interests in technology, agriculture, hospitality, fintech, energy and other sectors.

“Since its founding in 2007, Axxess has grown under Mr. Olajide’s leadership to have a presence in the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

“Through Axxess and Cavista Holdings, he is helping improve access to healthcare globally and creating tens of thousands of jobs in various industries.

“Mr. Olajide has served as a Vice Chair of the CCA Board of Directors since 2022, and brings a wealth of visionary leadership experience to his new role, including serving as the youngest-ever Chair of the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee, which has helped attract businesses to the most prosperous region in the United States.”

Florizelle Liser, CCA president, said Olajide’s remarkable journey as a young Nigerian-American entrepreneur to a prominent, visionary leader of a rapidly growing multi-sector, global business is testament to his dedication and innovation.

“I am delighted to announce John Olajide as the new chairman of the CCA Board,” Liser said.

“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.”

In his response, Olajide expressed his enthusiasm to take up the new position.

“I am honored to take on the responsibility of Chairman of the Board at Corporate Council on Africa,” 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.”

On his part, Sturchio said he is confident that with his wealth of knowledge, Olajide will serve CCA well in his new role.

“I am proud to have served as CCA’s chairman through an important period of transformation under Florie Liser’s leadership,” 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.”