{"id":3427,"date":"2025-10-30T23:20:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T23:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/?page_id=3427"},"modified":"2026-03-25T21:52:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T21:52:59","slug":"barka-awards","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/barka-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Barka Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3427\" class=\"elementor elementor-3427\" data-elementor-settings=\"{&quot;ha_cmc_init_switcher&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5772627 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"5772627\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52e339b elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-heading\" data-id=\"52e339b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\" ><div class=\"ekit-heading elementskit-section-title-wraper text_left   ekit_heading_tablet-   ekit_heading_mobile-\"><h2 class=\"ekit-heading--title elementskit-section-title \">The Barka Awards<\/h2><div class=\"ekit_heading_separetor_wraper ekit_heading_elementskit-border-divider ekit-dotted\"><div class=\"elementskit-border-divider ekit-dotted\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db7ffae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"db7ffae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-afa07c4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"afa07c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b7b147 elementor-nav-menu__align-center elementor-nav-menu--stretch elementor-nav-menu__text-align-center elementor-nav-menu--dropdown-tablet elementor-nav-menu--toggle elementor-nav-menu--burger elementor-widget elementor-widget-nav-menu\" data-id=\"4b7b147\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;full_width&quot;:&quot;stretch&quot;,&quot;layout&quot;:&quot;horizontal&quot;,&quot;submenu_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&lt;svg aria-hidden=\\&quot;true\\&quot; class=\\&quot;e-font-icon-svg e-fas-caret-down\\&quot; viewBox=\\&quot;0 0 320 512\\&quot; xmlns=\\&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.w3.org\\\/2000\\\/svg\\&quot;&gt;&lt;path d=\\&quot;M31.3 192h257.3c17.8 0 26.7 21.5 14.1 34.1L174.1 354.8c-7.8 7.8-20.5 7.8-28.3 0L17.2 226.1C4.6 213.5 13.5 192 31.3 192z\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/path&gt;&lt;\\\/svg&gt;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;},&quot;toggle&quot;:&quot;burger&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nav-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu--main elementor-nav-menu__container elementor-nav-menu--layout-horizontal e--pointer-underline e--animation-fade\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-1-4b7b147\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-6679\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">ADIS26 Recap<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3177\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-home\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">ADIS26 Home<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3665\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-adn\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Welcome from ADN<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3386\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-scu-president\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Welcome from SCU President<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5531\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/commendation-from-la-mayor\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Commendation from LA Mayor<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3392\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/networking\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Networking<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6176\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/publications\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Publications<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3398\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/press-releases\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Press Releases<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3404\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/visa-request\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Visa Request<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3420\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3376\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/venue\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">The Venue<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4953\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/where-to-stay\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Where to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6113\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ADIS26-Know-Before-You-Go-Guide.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Know Before You Go Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2815\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-agenda\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Agenda<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5674\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/topics\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Topics<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5302\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/gc-adea-acceleration-workshop\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Day One: GC-ADEA Workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2868\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Day Two: Bridging Africa &#038; Silicon Valley<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2875\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/connecting-the-dots\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Connecting the Dots<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2874\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/capital-for-impact\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Capital for Impact<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2873\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/partnerships-for-africa\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Partnerships for Africa<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2872\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/the-future-of-work-is-african\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6009\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 1: Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6013\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 2: Finance and Investment<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Breakout Session 3: The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2869\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Day Three: Action-Oriented Workshops<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2871\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ai-for-africas-future\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2870\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/advocacy-in-action\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Policy in Action<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6021\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Creation Session 1 Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6022\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-creation Session 2 &#8211; Finance: Impact Investment and Returns<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6023\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Creation Session 3: The Future of Work<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6024\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designA\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Design Session A: AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6025\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designB\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\">Co-Design Session B: Diaspora Influence in Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3426\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/speakers\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Speakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-3428\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Awards<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3433\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/barka-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Barka Awards<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3439\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/luminaire-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Luminaire Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-5076\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Get Involved<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5075\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/sponsors\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Sponsors<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-5079\"><a href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ADIS26-Sponsorship.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Sponsorship Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5613\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ecosystem-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Ecosystem Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3446\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Ecosystem-Partner-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Ecosystem Partner Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-6136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/media-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Media Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3447\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Media-Engagement-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Media Partnership Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-toggle\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--open e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-menu-bar\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M104 333H896C929 333 958 304 958 271S929 208 896 208H104C71 208 42 237 42 271S71 333 104 333ZM104 583H896C929 583 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menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-6679\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">ADIS26 Recap<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3177\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-home\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">ADIS26 Home<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3665\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-adn\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Welcome from ADN<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3386\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/welcome-from-scu-president\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Welcome from SCU President<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5531\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/commendation-from-la-mayor\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Commendation from LA Mayor<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3392\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/networking\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Networking<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-6176\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/publications\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Publications<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3398\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/press-releases\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Press Releases<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3404\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/visa-request\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Visa Request<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3420\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-3376\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/venue\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">The Venue<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-4953\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/where-to-stay\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Where to stay<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6113\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ADIS26-Know-Before-You-Go-Guide.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Know Before You Go Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2815\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/adis26-agenda\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Agenda<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5674\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/topics\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Topics<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-5302\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/gc-adea-acceleration-workshop\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day One: GC-ADEA Workshop<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2868\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day Two: Bridging Africa &#038; Silicon Valley<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2875\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/connecting-the-dots\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Connecting the Dots<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2874\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/capital-for-impact\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Capital for Impact<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2873\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/partnerships-for-africa\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Partnerships for Africa<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2872\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/the-future-of-work-is-african\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6009\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 1: Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6013\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 2: Finance and Investment<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6017\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#breakout3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Breakout Session 3: The Future of Work is African<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-2869\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Day Three: Action-Oriented Workshops<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2871\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ai-for-africas-future\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2870\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/advocacy-in-action\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Policy in Action<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6021\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation1\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Creation Session 1 Health in Your Hands<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6022\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation2\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-creation Session 2 &#8211; Finance: Impact Investment and Returns<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6023\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-creation3\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Creation Session 3: The Future of Work<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6024\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designA\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Design Session A: AI for Africa\u2019s Future<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-6025\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/breakout-rooms\/#co-designB\" class=\"elementor-sub-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Co-Design Session B: Diaspora Influence in Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3426\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/speakers\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Speakers<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-3428\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Awards<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3433\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/barka-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Barka Awards<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-3439\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/luminaire-awards\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Luminaire Awards<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-5076\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Get Involved<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5075\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/sponsors\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Sponsors<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-5079\"><a href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ADIS26-Sponsorship.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Sponsorship Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-5613\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/ecosystem-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Ecosystem Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3446\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Ecosystem-Partner-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Ecosystem Partner Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-6136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/media-partners\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Media Partners<\/a>\n\t<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-3447\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ADIS26-Media-Engagement-Opportunities.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Media Partnership Opportunities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dc83669 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"dc83669\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-014adb8 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"014adb8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeIn&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2026 Barka Award\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ddc6df elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2ddc6df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Barka Award honors a notable individual for their distinguished contributions to the African and African diaspora community. \u201cBarka\u201d is an expression of gratitude used in multiple languages and cultures in Africa. In fact, use of the word can be found across the continent including in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To say \u201cbarka\u201d in Moor\u00e9, the primary language of Burkina Faso, is to express a gratitude so sincere and profound that it also conveys a blessing. The word has a dual meaning: thank you and <b>be blessed. <\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-349bff4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"349bff4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The African Diaspora Network is pleased to present its (eighth) annual Barka Award to:<\/p><p>Ren\u00e9 Lacerte, CEO &amp; Founder, BILL and Joyce Chung, President, Makahakama Foundation.<\/p><p>We are deeply honored to recognize Ren\u00e9 Lacerte and Joyce Chung, a husband and wife team. They, through their professional excellence, spirit of generosity, integrity, and commitment, have played a key role in supporting entrepreneurs, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises that too often lack access to capital, networks, and opportunity. They represent the very best of Silicon Valley and our broader community; they are leaders who understand that true innovation must expand access, strengthen ecosystems, and create pathways for those historically excluded from resources. Through their steadfast support of SMEs and entrepreneurs, especially those navigating systemic barriers, they have helped build bridges between capital and courage and between ideas and implementation. They have supported businesses. They continue to enable possibilities.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d89a0e7 e-grid e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d89a0e7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_widget&quot;:[&quot;elementskit-team&quot;],&quot;_ha_eqh_to&quot;:&quot;widget&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_disable_on_tablet&quot;:&quot;no&quot;,&quot;_ha_eqh_disable_on_mobile&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6eccb4f elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-team\" data-id=\"6eccb4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-team.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card elementor-animation- text-center ekit-team-style-default\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-header ekit-team-img ekit-img-overlay ekit-team-img-block\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Rene-Lacert.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5795\" alt=\"Rene Lacert\" srcset=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Rene-Lacert.jpg 400w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Rene-Lacert-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Rene-Lacert-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .profile-header END -->\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"profile-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRen\u00e9 Lacerte\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"profile-designation\">CEO &amp; Founder, BILL<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"profile-content\">Ren\u00e9 Lacerte is a technology entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of BILL, a leader in intelligent financial operations for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Ren\u00e9 founded BILL in 2006 after recognizing that business owners needed a way to simplify payments so they could focus on their business. He is a fourth-generation entrepreneur and has over 30 years of experience in the finance, software, and payments industries. Ren\u00e9\u2019s vision for the future of intelligent finance is shaping the industry, with an ultimate goal to make a positive impact for SMBs and help them thrive.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .profile-body END -->\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f49aef elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-team\" data-id=\"2f49aef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-team.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card elementor-animation- text-center ekit-team-style-default\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-header ekit-team-img ekit-img-overlay ekit-team-img-block\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Joyce-Chung.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-5794\" alt=\"Joyce Chung\" srcset=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Joyce-Chung.jpg 400w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Joyce-Chung-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2026\/03\/Joyce-Chung-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .profile-header END -->\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-body\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"profile-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJoyce Chung\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"profile-designation\">President, Makahakama Foundation <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"profile-content\">Joyce began her career in operating roles in the technology industry and transitioned to early stage venture capital, investing in technology entrepreneurs looking to change the world. She continues to identify and invest in individuals and organizations seeking to change the world for the better through the Makahakama Foundation. She holds an SB in Chemical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.\n<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .profile-body END -->\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d92507d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d92507d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_ha_eqh_enable&quot;:false}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4264a57 elementor-button-info elementor-align-center animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4264a57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/adis-barka-awards\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">View past recipients<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Barka Awards 2026 Barka Award The Barka Award honors a notable individual for their distinguished contributions to the African and African diaspora community. \u201cBarka\u201d is an expression of gratitude used in multiple languages and cultures in Africa. In fact, use of the word can be found across the continent including in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3427","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3427"}],"version-history":[{"count":223,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6327,"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3427\/revisions\/6327"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/africandiasporanetwork.org\/programs\/adis26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}