With the support of our generous and passionate community, the African Diaspora Network has made tremendous strides in activating diasporans, allies of Africa, and individuals on the continent in support of Africa. We’ve supported founders in Africa as well as Black founders in the United States with the resources they need to thrive.
During our Year-In-Review Webinar, we shared some of our favorite moments and lessons from 2024 and our goals for 2025 and beyond. There, we also encouraged our audience to consider donating to ADN this Giving Tuesday. While this year was filled with many highlights, some key milestones have been:
Launched our new five-year strategic plan:
In 2024, ADN launched a 5-year strategic approach that guides us in advancing diaspora engagement. The plan focuses on Knowledge Exchange and Human Capital Development, Public-Private Partnerships, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact, and Beyond Remittances. Learn more about the plan here.
Hosted the ninth annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS)
ADIS24 was held at the historic Hayes Mansion in San Jose, CA. It brought together participants from 26 countries to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: Climate Change. Our aim for this event was to address the urgency of the issue and explore how the African Diaspora and allies of Africa can pool expertise, share knowledge, and mobilize resources to foster meaningful and impactful partnerships. Learn more in the recap here.
Supported new cohorts of entrepreneurs to Builders of Africa’s Future and Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Thanks to our funders, ADN was able to offer entrepreneurship and leadership training, 1:1 mentorship, and a platform to pitch to investors to new cohorts of African entrepreneurs through Builders of Africa’s Future (BAF) and Black entrepreneurs based in the United States through Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE). These entrepreneurs are making a great impact in Africa, the United States, and across the world with their inspiring ventures.
Became an implementing partner of the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) Project
The African Diaspora Network is partnering with Arizona State University to implement a USAID $80 million award to empower Africa’s youth through the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) Project. The Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) is working with the Education and Youth division of USAID’s Africa Bureau to support the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program with harmonizing recruitment, admissions, curriculum, communications, and increased opportunities for YALI alumni across the continent in an African-led approach. ADN is currently leading the development of YALI Africa’s diaspora engagement strategy.
Co-hosted UNGA 2024 Side Event
Bringing together over 75 prominent leaders from business, government, academia, sports, and entertainment, the African Diaspora Network (ADN), in partnership with Myriad USA, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), hosted a groundbreaking side event at UNGA 2024. Held at Hav & Mar’s in New York City, the “Afrofuturism: Activating African Diaspora Investments for Sustainable Development” provided a dynamic platform for exploring the African diaspora’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future. Learn more here.
For the full report on what we have been able to accomplish together this year, please see our 2024 Impact Report.
This is Your Chance to Support African Diaspora Impact!
Excited about the work we do and the impact we are making in entrepreneurship, innovation and social impact?
Giving Tuesday is your chance to support ADN as we strive to continue to uplift Africa and the communities we live in. In celebration of the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium, the ADN board has generously pledged to match donations made to ADN on Giving Tuesday, up to $50,000. Thanks to the generosity of our community last year, the African Diaspora Network was able to reach our match goal.
Please consider giving to ADN this Giving Tuesday. We’ve had an impactful year and unrestricted funding is important to ADN’s continued growth. Your end-of-the-year donation made between now and Giving Tuesday – alongside the board’s match, will help us continue our vital work in diaspora engagement.
