Proof, not pitch.
A decade of institutions founded, capital secured, and public infrastructure delivered, documented year by year.
Year by year. Win by win.
Founded the network
Cofounded what began as the National African Business Association in Inkster, Michigan, with three other founders. Membership grew rapidly in its first eighteen months.
Took the helm of the Inkster Library Board
As President of the Board of Trustees, he took on the city's library crisis after the old building closed over severe structural problems.
Took GABA global
Renamed the organization the Global African Business Association to extend its reach into Africa.
Broke ground on a new library
Construction began on a new Leanna Hicks Public Library for Inkster.
Shaped state policy
As President and CEO of GABA, he championed legislation to create a state commission giving African, Caribbean, and African American communities a voice in Michigan's trade with the diaspora.
Delivered the library
The new Leanna Hicks Public Library opened to the public on Hamlin Drive in March, the result of a $1.8 million capital effort.
Founded GABA Marketplace Center
Launched a Detroit wholesale distributor bringing African and Caribbean food and goods to grocers, restaurants, and retailers across the country.
Passed the torch
Handed day to day leadership of GABA to a new CEO and moved into the role of Chairman.
Secured $1 million for a trade hub
A state investment of $1 million was directed to GABA for a new warehouse, distribution, and trade hub facility in Detroit.
Opened a diplomatic trade channel
Helped host a Nigerian Consulate trade delegation in Michigan for talks with Wayne County leadership and the Port of Monroe.
Named Principal of GABA Marketplace Center
Stepped from Chairman of GABA into full leadership of the Marketplace Center and its next phase of growth.
Moved trade policy through the Senate
He worked with Michigan State Senator Erika Geiss to introduce SB 267, creating a trade commission between Michigan, Africa, and the Caribbean. It passed the Michigan Senate in December 2025.
Recognized for immigrant entrepreneurship
Featured at TechTown Detroit's Immigrant Heritage Month program, credited with helping secure more than $3 million in state funding for Southeast Michigan.
The seats he has earned.
Principal, GABA Marketplace Center
Leads the Detroit trade hub and distribution business connecting African and Caribbean producers to U.S. markets.
Cofounder, President, CEO and Chairman, GABA
Built the Global African Business Association from four founders in Inkster into a network across four states.
President, Leanna Hicks Public Library Board of Trustees
Led Inkster's library from closure to a new $1.8 million facility.
“The path is not easy, but you will win in the end.”Akindele Akinyemi
In the headlines.
Senate passes SB 267, creating a Michigan, Africa, and Caribbean trade commission
ReadCelebrating immigrant heritage and entrepreneurship in Detroit
ReadNigerian Consulate leads a diplomatic trade mission to Michigan
ReadState budget directs $1 million to the GABA Marketplace Center trade hub
ReadInspiring conversations with Akindele Akinyemi of GABA
ReadGABA welcomes a new CEO as Akinyemi passes the torch
ReadBill would create a civil rights office for African, Caribbean, and diaspora residents
ReadInkster's new Leanna Hicks Public Library set to open
ReadA new awakening for the Inkster Public Library
ReadAdd your project to the record.
Trade partnerships, market entry, board service, and speaking.