Paul Nelson

About Paul Nelson

CEO | Global Business Strategist | Strategic Communicator | Cross-Cultural Dealmaker | Bridging Governments, Investors & Markets Paul Nelson is a high-impact global business strategist, cross-cultural facilitator, and U.S. citizen with over 25 years of experience bridging governments, private sector leaders, and global institutions. As CEO of Global Impact Industries and former Executive Regional Director of The African Think Tank (Charlotte Region), he is widely recognized for driving inclusive growth through strategic communication, conflict resolution, and sustainable development. In 2025, Paul played a pivotal role at the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, where he helped lead the George Washington University high-level summit. His efforts in mobilizing African Finance Ministers and shaping discussions on climate finance, digital transformation, and investment innovation further solidified his reputation as a trusted global convener. Paul has advised multinational companies, heads of state, and policy leaders across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S, guiding projects in energy, education, infrastructure, hospitality, and manufacturing. His executive roles — including Vice President of Western Sahara Petroleum and advisor to the Government of Sierra Leone — underscore his expertise in linking capital with impactful development. He has also collaborated with institutions such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, the African Union Mission, and FRONTEND (Saudi Arabia). His 2016 diplomatic engagement with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing helped advance cultural and economic partnerships with China. As a proud U.S. citizen, Paul believes that America’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. To him, the United States is not just a nation—it is a living reflection of the world itself: a global crossroads where cultures meet, economies connect, and ideas converge. In a time of global uncertainty, he sees America as a platform where all peoples of the world can find belonging, voice, and opportunity. Paul is committed to bridging social, cultural, and economic divides between the U.S. and emerging markets, particularly across Africa. His unmatched cultural fluency and diplomatic clarity allow him to lead transformational initiatives that elevate communities, attract investment, and drive sustainable, people-centered progress.

Experience

1. Certified Mentor

   SCORE Mentors

   Jan 2020 — Present · Charlotte, NC, US

   SCORE or the SCORE Association was previously known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, but is now recognized as SCORE,\"Counselors to America\'s Small Business.\"SCORE is the nation\'s largest source of free, expert mentoring, resources and educational content for small businesses. In 2023, SCORE helped start 31,167 new businesses, creating 120,948 non-owner jobs; 91% of SCORE\'s \"in business\" clients were still in business at the end of 2023 and 48% of \"in business\" clients reported an increase in revenue.

Education

• Queens University of Charlotte

  Master's Degree Certificate

  2022 — 2023

• Howard University

  BA

  2003 — 2007

• South University

  MBA

  2010 — 2012