On September 3rd 2025, the African Diaspora Network (ADN), in partnership with Humanity United (HU), and Open Society Foundations (OSF), convened a timely roundtable discussion on the role of the African diaspora in shaping U.S.-Africa policy. The gathering took place ahead of the 3rd U.S.-Africa Futures Summit, creating an intentional space to explore how the diaspora can move from primarily economic contributions to influencing systemic policy change.
The African diaspora is often recognized for its role in supporting economic and development outcomes on the continent – through remittances, philanthropy, and humanitarian mobilization. These contributions are profound: over $100 billion in remittances flow annually from the African diaspora to the continent, and diaspora-led networks often serve as first responders during crises, from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, as participants underscored at the roundtable event, the African diaspora’s influence remains largely untapped in formal U.S.-Africa policy advocacy spaces.
Unlocking this potential requires more than acknowledgment; it calls for intentional spaces where African diaspora leaders, investors, diplomats, government officials, policymakers, NGOs, and philanthropic actors can engage in open dialogue about the diaspora’s role as advocates, conveners, and catalysts for broader systemic impact.
This roundtable offered such a space – an opportunity to assess both the moment and the movement, take stock of shifting priorities in U.S.-Africa relations, and identify gaps that must be filled with renewed advocacy, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
The ideas highlighted below reflect perspectives shared during the roundtable by all participants, including diaspora leaders, investors, policymakers, and philanthropic actors. These are intended to inspire collective action and dialogue and do not represent formal commitments or initiatives of any single organization.
Pathways of Engagement
While the diaspora is deeply invested in Africa’s future, it remains underrepresented in U.S.-Africa policy spaces. Participants identified several key pathways for greater influence:
- Institutional Strengthening: Equipping diaspora leaders with tools on how to engage Congress and the current U.S. Administration – framing Africa’s story in ways that align with the current U.S. priorities.
- Influence and Awareness: Partnering with trusted public voices and influencers to shift the narrative around Africa and build wider public support.
- Policy and Legislation: Building upon the foundation of the African Diaspora Engagement Advisory Council, the need to craft, shape, and advance recommendations that inform U.S. policymakers and strengthen diaspora-driven policy initiatives in the future.
Building Collective Influence
Participants emphasized the need for stronger, unified, and coordinated platforms that can amplify the African diaspora’s voice:
- Mapping the Diaspora: Developing a clearer picture of diaspora organizations and advocates across the U.S. to build an alliance for collective advocacy.
- Think Tanks and Convenings: Creating diaspora-led think tanks and using convening spaces to incubate policy ideas and sustain momentum.
- Global Alliances: Building bridges with other diasporan communities, including the Caribbean and South Asia, to expand influence and align on shared interests.
These ideas are discussion points from the roundtable, meant to inspire action among participants and the broader diaspora community.
From Conversation to Action
The roundtable closed with a call to continue translating ideas into structures and outcomes. Recommendations included hosting follow-up convenings, and establishing a permanent home for these discussions to be continued and incubated.
As part of its Beyond Remittances Initiative, ADN is actively translating these conversations into concrete action through its programs and by spotlighting opportunities for the broader community to engage:
- African Diaspora Innovation Fund (AfDIF): A donor-advised fund created by ADN in partnership with Myriad USA to unlock philanthropic capital for social entrepreneurs in Africa and the U.S. – resourcing diaspora-led innovation for systemic change. AfDIF reflects ADN’s commitment to moving beyond remittances toward transformational investment.
- African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS26): ADN’s flagship global convening designed to foster investment, knowledge exchange, and collaboration between Africa, its diaspora, and allies.
The consensus was clear: this is the time for the African diaspora to lead. By mobilizing collective power, forging alliances, and engaging U.S. policymakers with clarity and purpose, the African diaspora can move from being underrepresented to becoming equal partners in shaping U.S.-Africa relations.
