Atlanta, GA (September 22nd, 2025) — Two veterans of the entailment, global brand strategy, VIP client relations and management, brand development, and government relations industries have launched The Continental Collective (TCC) — a ground-breaking strategic platform. Recently announced at AFRICON 2025, held in Atlanta this weekend, the collective’s mission is to introduce the world’s first Global Cultural Upfront.
Founded Barkue Tubman-Zawolo from Liberia, Dora Din Whittley from Cameroon, and strategic partner Aiyisha T. Obafemi, and together bring decades of collective expertise and a proven track-record working across Africa, the United States, and the Caribbean. Recognizing the urgent need to dismantle barriers, they are leveraging their vast global networks and industry credibility to build unprecedented bridges that connect cultures, economies, and communities.
“We created TCC because we know the power of intentional connection. Africa has long been the heartbeat of global culture, yet its value has been under-leveraged on the world stage. The Global Cultural Upfront is our way of ensuring that Africa is no longer just in the room but leading the conversation,” says Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, Co-Founder.
The Continental Collective exists at the intersection of culture, commerce, and collaboration. It connects African entrepreneurs, creatives, governments, and institutions with U.S. markets and partners, while enabling American businesses and investors to access growth opportunities across the African continent.
“This collective is about ownership and empowerment. Coming from Cameroon, I understand firsthand how often our voices, talents, and resources are overlooked. TCC is designed to rewrite that narrative; giving African and Diaspoa entrepreneurs the access, infrastructure, and visibility they deserve,” says Dora Whittley, Co-Founder.
The launch of the Global Cultural Upfront will mark a first-of-its-kind showcase spotlighting Africa and the Caribbean’s influence on global industries, from entertainment and fashion to technology, commerce, and policy.
“For me, this is personal. Tracing my roots back to Cameroon, being part of this movement is not just business; it is legacy. I’m honored to stand with Barkue and Dora as a strategic partner in shaping a future where our culture and commerce are respected globally,” adds Aiyisha T. Obafemi, Strategic Partner.
About The Continental Collective:
The Continental Collective is a strategic platform created by its founders, women of African descent who understand the critical need to bridge Africa and the United States with intentional connections to the Caribbean through global culture, commerce, and trade. Our intention is clear: to dismantle barriers and create sustainable pathways for African entrepreneurs, creatives, governments, and institutions to connect with U.S. markets and partners, while enabling American businesses and investors to access opportunities across the African continent. Our work is intentionally designed for impact; ensuring communities on both sides benefit through knowledge transfer, economic development, and sustainable growth that creates lasting change.
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