Dr. Kennedy Nnadi, CEO and Founder of Pennek, has been appointed to the Board of the Texas Africa Chamber of Commerce, making history as the first and only Nigerian currently serving on the board.
The appointment, which took place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at City Hall Legacy Room, 901 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002, marks a significant milestone in his continued efforts to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Africa through strategic business partnerships and cross-border collaboration.
Dr. Nnadi is a respected business leader with over a decade of experience in international business development, real estate innovation, and foreign direct investment.
Under his leadership, Pennek has grown from a two-person startup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise employing over 90 people. The company is now recognized as a key player in real estate development across Africa and the United States.
With a background in Soil Science (B.Tech.) and executive education from Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School in Kenya, Dr. Nnadi also holds an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management and Corporate Governance from the European American University.
His approach to business combines academic rigor with practical insight, enabling him to lead with both vision and impact.
His work has contributed to real estate expansion in the United States, most notably with the launch of Pennek Meadows and Pennek Heights in Houston, Texas.
These projects introduced new real estate models that address the needs of modern urban housing and created new employment opportunities within the local economy. Through these initiatives, he has helped channel foreign direct investment into the U.S. market while also applying lessons from African housing models to American challenges.
Dr. Nnadi’s achievements have been recognized at the highest levels. In 2024, he received the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to economic development and community impact.
He was also honored by the U.S. Congress in both 2023 and 2024 for his leadership in business and international trade.
In Africa, he was named among the Top 100 Most Influential Young Leaders and continues to serve as a thought leader, having spoken at TEDx Pan Atlantic University and the Diaspora Africa Conference. He is the author of the book “Money is Overrated,” where he explores deeper insights into business and financial independence.
He has been featured in major media outlets including NBC and CBS for his innovative work in real estate and his influence as a business strategist.
Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Nnadi remains committed to social impact. He serves on the board of the Pistis Foundation, where he supports programs focused on community empowerment and inclusive development.
His appointment to the Texas Africa Chamber Board not only adds depth to the chamber’s leadership but also brings the voice and perspective of a Nigerian entrepreneur who is actively building bridges between continents.
In his words, “I believe that business is not only a tool for wealth creation, but a platform for societal transformation. My mission is to build sustainable enterprises that bridge markets, empower people, and leave a lasting impact.”
Through his new role at the Texas Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Nnadi is set to further that mission, championing inclusive growth, fostering new trade pathways, and reinforcing the value of African innovation in the global economy.
