In February 2020, Ernesto Kalema sent an invitation to eight Black Entrepreneurs to attend a meeting at Royal buffet restaurant in Sherwood Park (Edmonton, Alberta). At that first meeting, we decided to form an association. We named that association” Black Businesses men-Canadian Association” was suggested, however at the urging of several women and participants in this initiative, the name was changed to “Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association” to recognize the contributions of women in business and the professions, and act as a statement of organization’s commitment to equity. The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association (ACANEA) has gone through continuous improvements in developing programs and opportunities that meet the needs of the Black Francophone Business and Professional community. The ACANEA incorporated in November 2020, is a Non-Profit Organization that serves to address equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education, training, mentoring and economic development through Entrepreneurship. In addition to the Ernesto Kalema Awards, the scholarship fund for each two-year, the ACANEA provides educational and networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.

The first Executive Director of ACANEA was Patrick Ngoma, and other Co-Founders: Junior Assoumani, Patrick Ngoma, Jules Mpake, Alain Bukassa, Thierry, Stella Bila, Fayida Mageza, Marcelle Milolo, during this meeting Ernesto Kalema (Founder) was elected President. The ACANEA’s programs and activities are for the benefit of the Black Francophone Business and Professional community.