Eric Schneider

Director of Africa Programs

Eric Schneider is a bilingual program strategist and international consultant dedicated to strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the United States. As Founder and Managing Director of RéseauLink LLC, he leads advisory, event coordination, and intermediation services that connect entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions across continents.

He currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Akwaba African Diaspora Festival: Economic Mission, a pioneering platform promoting trade, tourism, and investment between Africa and the U.S. Through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and government stakeholders, Eric facilitates B2B linkages, organizes economic delegations, and curates high-impact programs that elevate African enterprise globally.

A Fulbright alumnus and former Program Analyst at the U.S. African Development Foundation, Eric has managed international development grants supporting youth, agriculture, and entrepreneurship across Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. In addition to overseeing federal grants, Eric recently received a Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Grant to promote youth empowerment and capacity building in Côte d’Ivoire. This was done in coordination with UNICEF, MCC, and the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, along with dozens of local NGOs.

As Director of Africa Programs, Eric oversees and coordinates Babel Institute’s programming in Africa, including work related to the Babel Scholars Program and the Emerging Leaders Program. He works closely with the President and Program Directors to support the delivery of programs and initiatives across the continent. He also helps refine application materials, selection procedures, and program requirements for Africa-based initiatives.

Eric holds a degree in International Studies and French from Fordham University, where he graduated summa cum laude.