Tubman-Zawolo emphasized TCC’s mission of building equitable partnerships which will place Africa at the center of global conversations on fashion, music, film, gastronomy, and commerce.
At AFRICON 2025 in Atlanta, a landmark cultural and business conference celebrating Africa and its diaspora, Liberian Businesswoman Barkue Tubman-Zawolo unveiled her latest initiative: The Continental Collective (TCC).
The new agency, co-founded alongside Dora Din Whittley of Cameroon and creative partner Ayisha Obafemi, positions itself as a bridge connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and the global diaspora to commercial, cultural, and political opportunities.
AFRICON, organized by Amplify Africa since 2017, has become a vital platform for dialogue, music, fashion, film, and business. For the Liberian community, it represents not only visibility on a global stage but also a chance to strengthen ties between Liberia and the larger African diaspora. Tubman-Zawolo, who also served on AFRICON’s board this year, highlighted how TCC is committed to creating sustainable partnerships rooted in equity rather than exploitation.
The Continental Collective’s mission is clear: to place Africa at the center of global conversations through industries such as fashion, music, film, and gastronomy, while driving commerce, investment, and storytelling that benefit communities locally and globally. Their vision extends to 2026, where they plan to launch the Global Cultural Upfront, a groundbreaking event designed to showcase Africa’s influence across culture and commerce while advancing growth and impact for small to mid-sized businesses.
For Tubman-Zawolo, a strategist and community leader, this venture marks another chapter in her lifelong dedication to empowering Africans and Liberians worldwide, building bridges that cross borders, and ensuring Africa’s voice is heard at the highest levels.
