Ohio pols declare Sept. 29, 2026, a day for Cincinnati-Africa business boom and the Cintas-Ghana uniform deal that started it all
By New Republic Staff
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed Sept. 29, 2026, as Africa-America Trade & Investment Summit Day, putting the Queen City’s growing trade romance with Africa on the record.
The proclamation signed by Commissioners Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Alicia Reece and Denise Driehaus calls the summit a launchpad for entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and community leaders looking to build bridges between the U.S. and African nations.
And it’s not just talk.
The first summit in 2018 at the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce brought out heavy hitters: Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Ghana’s ambassador to the U.S., Ghana’s trade minister, the president of Cintas Corp. and the president of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.
That confab helped spark a real business win Cintas sourcing high-quality uniforms from Ghana. Translation: international trade, jobs and economic opportunity, not just photo ops.
The second summit hit Cincinnati in 2024, with the mayor serving as a welcoming speaker and reinforcing the region’s commitment to global economic cooperation.
The county also gave summit founder Manny Addo his flowers, proclaiming Oct. 30, 2024, “Manny Addo Day” in Hamilton County for his leadership, entrepreneurial achievements and efforts to strengthen Africa-U.S. ties.
Now commissioners say the summit is a continuing commitment to building bridges through commerce, entrepreneurship, investment and collaboration relationships that can benefit communities on both continents.
For Hamilton County, the play is simple: help local businesses reach international markets while connecting African businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise and commercial opportunities available in the Queen City.
“The Africa-America Trade & Investment Summit represents a continuing commitment to building bridges between Africa and America through commerce, entrepreneurship, investment, collaboration, and lasting relationships that can benefit communities on both continents,” the proclamation reads.
With Sept. 29, 2026, now officially on the books, Cincinnati is making one thing clear: when it comes to Africa trade, the Queen City wants a seat at the table.