Letter from the Chairman

Dear Friends,

We want to welcome you to our website.  We hope your time will be well spent explore our efforts to expose the world to a true Africa.

The year 2001 was significant for our organization in many ways. It was a defining year for our community as we explored and developed ways to integrate ourselves into the city of Columbia and to transform misunderstanding of our motherland.  It was also the year we clarified our existence in the State of South Carolina and the United States of America by opening dialog with our American colleagues on the most complex and critical matters, asking they to help us address challenges and achieve goals.

In 2001a group Africans of like mind embarked on a vision to establish representation for Africans living Columbia, South Carolina and the United States of America at large.  For the first time Africans were demanding a role to play in the development and growth in their communities.  These individuals were prepared to confront challenges and any misrepresentation of Africans of the continent and those of the African diaspora. 

Accepting this challenges the International Council of African Professionals, Inc. was registered in the State of South Carolina as a membership based non-profit.  Meeting all requirements at the Local, State and Federal level.  The mission was and still is to facilitate the needs of the membership, the Africans of the continent and Africans of the Diaspora through business, culture and education.

ICAP has grown to support our members around the globe with three Local Chapters in South Carolina, four State chapters in the United States of America and five international chapters in five countries.  Our 2008 Portfolio provides an overview of many successes and developments that continue to allow us to provide our membership with the sophisticated services they require.

Some of our most significant developments included:  

·         In 2001 we registered the International Council of African Professionals, Inc., (ICAP).  Mobilized partnerships with the City of Columbia, South Carolina; the South Carolina Department of Commerce; the United States Department of Commerce  the University of South Carolina, Moore School of Business; Benedict College; and Allen University;

·         In 2002 we hosted His Excellency Joe Keshi, Republic of Nigeria General Consul to the United States of America with the Nigerian community.

·         In 2003 we hosted His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, President of the Republic of Zambia.  As a statesman, President Kaunda was the first African leader to openly get test for HIV-AIDS.  His visit was to initiate relations with Africans through mutual business relations.

·         In 2004 we hosted His Excellency Simbi Veke Mubako, Republic of Zimbabwe Ambassador to the United States of America.  Featured speaker at Benedict College.

·         In 2005 we hosted Her Excellency Barbara Masekela, Republic of South Africa Ambassador to the United States of America.  Assisted ICAP in proposing business relations with Africa, but in particular the Republic of South Africa through sister city relations and partnerships.

·         In 2006 we entered into a partnership with Here Be Dragons a business incubator operating in Johannesburg, South Africa.  We sourced as a partners where start-ups with an interest in the United States market would be assisted by ICAP and its partners through public relations and marketing.  This also included donating time to countless community service projects.

·         In 2007 we felt compelled to redesign ICAP and launch a dynamic publicity approach with the assistance of local company Catalyst Marketing.  We felt ICAP had now matured and need to utilized its growth and credibility and engage the City of Columbia and the South Carolina in a mutually beneficial manner.

Our organization earned honors and recognition for our community responsibility efforts and our commitment to diversity.

One core strategy continues to remain constant with ICAP — a sharp focus on solutions and results in response to    our clients' current and future needs.

As Africans we accept our position in the world but we persistently fight and dismantled policies of selective discrimination knowing the birth place of humanity is Africa.  The winds of change are coming.

We are proud of who we are, what we have accomplished and where we are going. We believe we are a law firm that is uniquely different. Our clients tell us that the affirmative character of our lawyers and staff is what differentiates us and that this character is truly grounded in a spirit of comradely, mutual respect and enthusiastic devotion to our clients.  We continue to represent our respective cultures in Columbia, South Carolina and the United States of America under the umbrella of unity.  

Sincerely,

Mr. Darius M. Sibalwa, Executive Director