Akunna Cook is the CEO and Founder of Next Narrative Africa Fund, a $50M vehicle to capitalize on the global Black narrative and build the financial infrastructure for African storytelling. 

Previously, she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Biden-Harris Administration, overseeing U.S. relations in Southern Africa and leading economic diplomacy across the African continent. She leverages this geopolitical expertise to de-risk investments in the African content market.

Earlier, Akunna was the inaugural Executive Director of the Black Economic Alliance and a career diplomat with the State Department. A lawyer and strategist, she holds degrees from Howard University, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Yale Law School. Recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2025, she serves on the boards of Keseb and Harambeans.