Beyond Remittances

The evolving Role of Africans in the Diaspora In Unlocking Transformation Investment ​

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Beyond Remittances: Catalyzing Sustainable Investment Through the Collective Strength of the African Diaspora

The African Diaspora Network (ADN) intentionally engages Africans, African diasporans, and friends of Africa to move beyond remittances toward long-term, sustainable investment for the betterment of the African continent. Since 2010, ADN has convened entrepreneurs, philanthropists, investors, and allies to mobilize intellectual, social, and financial capital to advance Africa and our shared communities in the U.S.

Our Beyond Remittances, one of our priority areas,builds on this foundation by reframing the role of remittances, not just as a lifeline for families, but as a powerful catalyst for systemic change and economic development. Through a series of Impact & Innovation Forums and strategic convenings, we inform, engage, and activate a global community committed to unlocking new forms of capital, strengthening trade and innovation ties, and creating opportunities for diaspora expertise to shape the future.

Why Beyond Remittances Matters

In today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, it is more important than ever to harness the full potential of the African diaspora as investors, innovators, and policy influencers. As a member of President Biden’s inaugural African Diaspora Engagement Council, ADN’s leadership has experienced firsthand the importance of aligning diaspora engagement with U.S.–Africa relations, multilateral development goals, and global investment strategies.
 
To this end, we are focused on three key priorities:
  • Enable Diaspora Investment Mechanism:  We advocate for policies and tools that treat remittances as development capital. This includes supporting innovative financing vehicles—such as diaspora bonds, pooled investment funds, and tax incentives—that unlock capital for African enterprises and infrastructure development.
  • Strengthen Trade and Innovation Ties: We believe diaspora entrepreneurs must be central to the U.S.–Africa trade policy, playing key roles in enterprise development, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange. ADN facilitates access to cross-border opportunities that benefit both African and U.S. markets.
  •  Leverage Diaspora Talent and Expertise: Through leadership exchanges, technical assistance programs, and public-private partnerships, we are creating pathways for diaspora professionals to directly contribute to global development efforts and economic growth on the continent.
Join us as we reimagine the future of African development, one that moves beyond remittances and toward transformational investment, innovation, and impact.

Partners

What is Beyond Remittances?

Africans living outside of Africa have a significant impact on the continent through the personal remittances they send. Remittances from the African Diaspora to Africa are substantial, exceeding $100 billion in 2024. This amount dwarfs both foreign direct investment and aid, including the $12.1 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the $59.7 billion from the Office of Development Assistance (ODA) to the continent. African Diaspora Network (ADN) intentionally engages diasporans and friends of Africa to move beyond remittances toward sustainable investment for the betterment of the African continent. Beyond Remittances started as an initiative but is now an integral part of ADN’s strategy. In order to advance this cause, ADN informs, engages, and activates our global community through a series of Impact & Innovation Forums. ADN also elevates and supports the work that African diasporans are doing to enable investments and philanthropy for sustainable development and transformational impact.

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Resources

Publications

Global Diaspora Engagement

Call to Action

  • Attend the Ten-Year Anniversary of ADIS25:

    This year's theme, "Beyond Remittances: The Roles Of Africans In The Diaspora In Unlocking Transformational Investments,” focuses on shifting the narrative from remittances to impactful, diaspora-led investment. Join us to actively participate in shaping a roadmap for this transformative approach.

  • Spread the Word:

    This year's theme, "Beyond Remittances: The Roles Of Africans In The Diaspora In Unlocking Transformational Investments,” focuses on shifting the narrative from remittances to impactful, diaspora-led investment. Join us to actively participate in shaping a roadmap for this transformative approach.

  • Support Diaspora Organizations:

    Organizations like the African Diaspora Network play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, providing resources, and advocating for policies that support diaspora engagement. You can support these organizations through donations, volunteering your time as a mentor, or partnering on initiatives that promote investment in Africa. Your involvement can make a significant difference in strengthening the capacity of these organizations to create lasting impact.

  • Invest in African Development:

    Explore opportunities to invest in African businesses, social enterprises, and infrastructure projects. By investing your capital, expertise, and networks, you can contribute to job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Consider supporting initiatives that align with your values and interests, and seek out opportunities to collaborate with local partners who have a deep understanding of the African market.