A conference is only as strong as the people in the room, and the line-up for reSURGEnce Durban 2026 brings together an unusual mix. There are city leaders from Africa and the United States, entrepreneurs and innovators, faith leaders, community builders and a former vice president. What they share is a commitment to the conference theme: Decreasing Barriers by Increasing Access.
From 24 to 27 October at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban, these speakers will tackle the questions that matter most to Black and under-represented businesses. How do we unlock capital? How do cities partner across continents? How do we build wealth that lasts beyond one generation?
Here’s who you’ll hear from, and what to listen for.
Leaders of cities
Ronald Balimwezo, Lord Mayor of Kampala
Kampala is one of East Africa’s fastest-growing capitals, and its Lord Mayor brings a frontline view of what rapid urbanisation means for infrastructure, housing and small business. For delegates interested in smart cities, urban regeneration and city-to-city partnerships, his perspective will be essential. Listen for how African cities can learn from each other, and what partnerships between Kampala, Durban and cities in the Diaspora could look like.
Eric Adams, Former Mayor of New York City
Few people have run a city as large and complex as New York. As its former mayor, Eric Adams brings experience of managing a major economy, working with business and navigating the relationship between city government and communities. His presence underlines one of reSURGEnce’s defining goals: connecting the African Diaspora in America with economic opportunity on the continent.
Ebony Young, Former Deputy Borough President of Queens
Queens is one of the most diverse places in the United States. Ebony Young’s experience in borough leadership offers practical insight into how local government can open doors for small businesses and under-represented communities.
Voices on Africa’s future
Ndaba Mandela, Entrepreneur
The grandson of Nelson Mandela, Ndaba Mandela has built his own path as an entrepreneur and advocate for Africa’s next generation. He speaks to young Africans about leadership, identity and building the continent on their own terms. Expect a conversation that connects Madiba’s legacy of freedom to the economic freedom that reSURGEnce is working towards.
Dr Nevers Mumba, Former Vice President of Zambia
A former Vice President of Zambia and a respected faith leader, Dr Nevers Mumba brings a rare combination of political and spiritual leadership. He is well placed to speak on how governance, values and economic development intersect across the continent.
Dr Alexander M. Chisango, Founder and President, World Economic Congress
Dr Chisango leads the World Economic Congress and brings a global view of how African economies can position themselves for investment and trade. Delegates focused on access to capital and international markets should not miss his session.
Builders of business and community
Clayton Banks, Founder and CEO, Silicon Harlem
Clayton Banks founded Silicon Harlem to bring technology, connectivity and innovation to communities that are often left behind. His work speaks directly to the conference’s focus on digital infrastructure and emerging technologies. If you are building a tech business or thinking about how connectivity can transform your community, his insights will be valuable.
Senator James Sanders Jr., Chair, Senate Committee on Banking
As chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Banking, Senator Sanders works on the rules and institutions that decide who gets access to credit and capital. His perspective is invaluable for anyone trying to understand why access to capital remains so unequal, and what can be done about it.
Dr Marvin Hooks, President, CM Developers
Property ownership is one of the most powerful paths to lasting wealth. As president of CM Developers, Dr Hooks brings hands-on experience of real estate development and the opportunities it creates for communities and investors.
Dr Malcolm Punter, President, HCCI
Dr Punter leads HCCI and brings deep experience in community development, housing and the role institutions can play in regenerating neighbourhoods.
Mario Bailey, Founder, Black Heath.Org
[Editor: confirm the organisation name.] Mario Bailey brings an entrepreneur’s view of building organisations that serve Black communities.
Faith in action
reSURGEnce has always recognised the role that faith institutions play in economic revival. Churches are often the most trusted institutions in Black communities, and many hold land, networks and influence that can be put to work for economic development.
- Peter Bonadie, Kingdom Life International
- Rev. Todd Johnson, New Jerusalem Worship Centre
Both bring a vision of faith communities as engines of enterprise, education and wealth-building.
The founder behind it all
reSURGEnce was founded by Rev. Dennis Dillon, Publisher and CEO of The New York Christian Times and Lead Pastor of Rise Church Global. Over three decades, Rev. Dillon has led community economic benefit negotiations with major corporations and championed economic empowerment for Black communities in America and Africa. He is also the publisher and lead researcher of the Economic State of the Black World Report.
Why this line-up matters
It is rare to find mayors, former heads of government, tech founders, developers, banking policymakers and pastors on the same programme. That mix is deliberate. Economic revival doesn’t happen in silos. It needs policy, capital, infrastructure, community trust and entrepreneurial energy working together.
For delegates, it also means access. Between sessions, at the exhibitions and at the Mayoral Reception, there will be chances to meet people you would rarely reach otherwise. Come with questions, and come ready to introduce yourself.
Be in the room
Early bird pricing ends 15 October. Local entrepreneurs can attend for free with the Local Delegates Pass.
Secure your place → Register link
