For too long, the narrative around African diaspora contributions to the continent has been narrowly defined by remittances, the vital funds sent home to support families. While undeniably important, this view barely scratches the surface of the transformative power the diaspora holds.
During UNGA80 and throughout the past ten days, I had the privilege of representing ADN in Boston, New York, and Indianapolis to carry one clear message: the diaspora is ready to lead the next phase of Africa’s development, beyond remittances. I also had the honor of participating in the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) convening, which brought together policy leaders, civil society actors, and development partners to spotlight Africa’s role in global governance, sustainable development, reparative justice, and inclusive multilateral reform. These dialogues underscored the indispensable role of the African diaspora, not only as advocates, but as innovators, investors, and bridge-builders shaping Africa’s future within the global order.
This work is never carried out alone. ADN board members continue to amplify and extend our reach on global stages. Dr. Ndeye Makalou represented ADN at FOHSEN’s Spotlight Africa, while our board chair Dr. Josh Ghaim elevated ADN’s voice at Columbia University, our UNGA side event, and RALLY in Indianapolis. Their leadership, alongside that of our partners and community, reinforces ADN’s vision and impact. For this, we give them our deepest thanks.
Boston: A Global Philanthropy Lens
New York: Beyond Remittances at UNGA80
For the past several years, ADN has partnered with Myriad USA to host UNGA side events amplifying the work and contributions of the African diaspora. What began as a small gathering has grown into a convening of global significance.
This year, in partnership with the Africa Philanthropy Forum (APF), we hosted a forum on “Beyond Remittances: Partnership Models for Diaspora-Led Investment and Development.” The dialogue revealed how philanthropy and diaspora capital can be catalytic in advancing Africa’s economic, social, and business development.
Highlights
- Launch of the Intra-Africa Diaspora Mapping Study: ADN and Africa Practice are seed-funding the first phase of mapping the intra-African diaspora to fill a significant data gap. This work will illuminate migration patterns within Africa and unlock the potential for targeted policies, development programs, and diaspora-driven investments.
- Reframing the Diaspora’s Role: We continue to advance the narrative that diaspora engagement is not charity, it is strategy. It is about moving from consumption-based transactions to catalytic investments in SMEs, infrastructure, healthcare, and innovation.
Why It Matters
With over $100 billion in annual remittances to Africa (and possibly double if informal transfers are counted), the challenge and opportunity lie in converting this inherent commitment into planned, strategic investment. Considering also Africa’s $300 billion SME financing gap, the diaspora is uniquely positioned to help close.
The persistent “prejudice premium” that inflates perceived risks of investing in Africa costs the continent over $4.2 billion annually. Yet, evidence shows African investments often outperform global averages. Companies like Flutterwave demonstrate that African innovation is thriving and globally competitive.
Indianapolis: Partnering with InnoPower
At the RALLY conference in Indianapolis, African Diaspora Network deepened collaboration with InnoPower, focusing on the Nigerian diaspora and broader community engagement in the Midwest. Together, we committed to:
- Engaging African diaspora athletes as champions of investment and innovation.
- Hosting high-level conversations with African diaspora leaders in Silicon Valley.
- Participating in and amplifying Nigerian Diaspora Day 2026.
- Supporting diaspora communities in Indiana and surrounding regions through ADN’s platforms and networks.
This marks a new chapter in building bridges between diaspora communities in the U.S. heartland and Africa.
Ubuntu: A Holistic Approach to Development
Central to these convenings was the African philosophy of Ubuntu— “I am because we are.” The diaspora journey often begins with charity, but to build a thriving Africa, we must move toward structural investments that tackle root causes. That means:
- Building hospitals in villages instead of paying hospital bills abroad.
- Creating world-class universities in Africa instead of sending children overseas.
- Investing in local infrastructure as engines of development rather than relying solely on external solutions.
Unlocking Diaspora Capital: Pathways to Impact
Across Boston, New York, and Indianapolis, one question guided us: How do we move beyond remittances? We identified several pathways:
- Pooled Investment Mechanisms like ADN’s African Diaspora Innovation Fund (AfDIF) to enable secure, catalytic diaspora-led investments.
- Government Partnerships to create incentives, frameworks, and policies that recognize the diaspora as development partners.
- Culturally Relevant Strategies rooted in local practices and trust-based systems of exchange.
- Youth-Focused Investments that leverage Africa’s youngest population to drive innovation and growth.
Call to Action
The African renaissance is not a distant possibility, it begins now, with us.
- Engage: Join us at the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS26), March 25–27, 2026, at Santa Clara University, where we will spotlight healthcare, AI, finance, and education.
- Act: Support initiatives like AfDIF, designed to provide catalytic funding for diaspora-led entrepreneurs and changemakers.
- Educate: Advocate for enabling policies, such as the African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA) introduced by Representative McCormick this July.
- Connect: Build networks, share knowledge, and amplify African-led solutions, particularly in underfunded regions.
Looking Ahead
At ADN, our mission has always been clear: to mobilize the intellectual, social, and financial capital of the African diaspora and friends of Africa for the benefit of our shared communities. Over the past decade, through convenings like the African Diaspora Investment Symposium, strategic collaborations with our funders, ecosystem partners, and network champions, we have built platforms that enable the diaspora to shift from transactional giving to transformational investment.
The conversations in Boston, New York, and Indianapolis reaffirmed that our work is both urgent and timely. The diaspora is ready, not only to send remittances but to shape policy, unlock capital, and drive innovation across Africa and the United States. Moving forward, ADN will continue to build bridges between communities, advocate for enabling policies, and design practical pathways for diaspora-led impact.
We believe this is just the beginning. The African renaissance will not be written by one organization or one country alone, but by all of us, diasporans, allies, and Africans on the continent, working together. As ADN steps into its fifteenth year, we remain committed to deepening our convenings, amplifying African-led solutions, and ensuring that the diaspora’s collective strength becomes a cornerstone of Africa’s future prosperity.
Special Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to our hosts and partners who made these convenings possible:
- Ina Breuer, Executive Director, NEID, Boston
- Maggi Alexander, Senior Partner, Center for Global Philanthropy, Boston
- William Carew, Head of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC), Lusaka, Zambia
- Kady Sylla, Director, Africa & Middle East, Myriad USA, New York City
- Mosun Layode, Executive Director, African Philanthropy Forum, Nigeria
- Emil Ekiyor, Founder & CEO, InnoPower, Indianapolis
