By Esther Onyegbula

Beyond conventional business investments, Dr. Henry Abdo has built a profile around supporting institutions, innovators and strategic platforms across science, education, culture, agriculture and food security.

For more than 25 years, Abdo has financed and sponsored emerging growth companies across Agriculture, Energy, Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure and Information Technology, while also supporting initiatives connecting governments, investors, NGOs and professionals across continents.

His activities span the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United States, Asia, Latin America and Commonwealth countries.

A major focus of his work has been science and innovation.

Since 2013, Abdo has served as Chairman of The Arab Science Club and Chairman/CEO of The Arab Inventors, supporting and mentoring Arab inventors globally.

He has also sponsored The Innovate Today – UK since 2016, supporting competitions, grants and exposure programmes designed to help young scientists develop and scale their ideas.

The focus, according to the profile of his activities, is not only on identifying promising ideas but creating opportunities for innovators to access mentorship, funding and strategic exposure.

Abdo’s institutional interests extend beyond science.

In 2013, he founded The Arabian Culture & Information Center, where he serves as chairman, to promote Arab heritage, arts and intercultural dialogue.

In education, he has served since 2020 as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Europe (AUE), with activities across multiple countries.

These engagements reflect an approach centred on building and supporting institutions rather than concentrating solely on individual commercial ventures.

Agriculture and food security have also become part of Abdo’s international activities.

Since 2023, he has served as CEO of the Africa Food Basket Federation, supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening food systems across Africa.

The role complements his wider interests in agriculture and other sectors regarded as critical to economic development.

His investment and sponsorship activities have covered emerging companies in Agriculture, Energy, Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure and IT.

Abdo’s activities also include supporting platforms that bring governments, investors and NGOs together around large-scale infrastructure, energy and education projects.

He sits on the boards of multiple multinational organisations with networks spanning the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the US, Asia, Latin America and Commonwealth countries.

He supports networks and events connecting Arab, African, Asian, Latin American and Commonwealth professionals with opportunities in science, business and culture.

Through these platforms, professionals and institutions are connected to potential partnerships, investment opportunities, knowledge and global networks.

Across the different sectors, a common thread runs through Abdo’s activities, the creation and sponsorship of platforms intended to outlive individual projects.

The Arab Science Club and The Arab Inventors focus on science and invention; The Innovate Today – UK supports young innovators; The Arabian Culture & Information Center promotes culture and dialogue; the American University of Europe (AUE) is focused on education, while the Africa Food Basket Federation addresses agriculture and food security.

Together, the initiatives reflect an approach that combines investment with institutional development and cross-border partnerships.

As governments, businesses and development organisations increasingly seek partnerships to address challenges in food security, education, healthcare, infrastructure and technology, Abdo’s activities have positioned him around platforms designed to connect capital, expertise and institutions.

From supporting young scientists to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening African food systems, his engagements continue to cut across sectors and geographical boundaries.