The 9th annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS24) recently took place in San Jose, California, illuminating the significant role diaspora engagement plays in shaping Africa’s future. Hosted by the African Diaspora Network (ADN) in Silicon Valley, the symposium gathered global investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to confront urgent issues, notably climate change. Themed “Activate With Africa: Climate Change, Connections, And Action,” discussions revolved around President Biden’s commitment to diaspora engagement, African innovation, impact investments, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and Africa-driven climate solutions.
Amidst innovative strategies for climate resilience and fostering economic partnerships, ADIS24 underscored the benefits of collaboration between the diaspora and stakeholders across the continent. Esteemed speakers led discussions on humanitarian assistance, climate adaptation, and economic development. Santa Clara County Supervisor Suzan Ellenberg emphasized the county’s role in providing essential services to vulnerable populations and the African Diaspora, highlighting extensive support in housing, healthcare, and social services. Almaz Negash, Founder of ADN, reflected on the organization’s journey, citing collaborative efforts that have expanded its reach and impact. Notably, Negash’s appointment to President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE) underscores the growing recognition of diaspora voices in shaping policy and initiatives.
Key discussions at ADIS24 highlighted the shift from reactive humanitarian aid to proactive investment in long-term development projects. The President’s African Diaspora Engagement Council discussed the imperative of reducing future humanitarian crises through strategic investments in community resilience. Executive Director of PAC-ADE, Deniece Laurent-Mantey, emphasized President Biden’s commitment to climate resilience and proactive approaches to climate action, leveraging partnerships and resource mobilization.
USAID’s efforts to mobilize finance for climate adaptation, including private sector partnerships, were lauded. Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator in the USAID Bureau for Africa, highlighted initiatives aimed at increasing resilience in vulnerable communities and accessing public and private finance. Formalizing diaspora engagement efforts was underscored as crucial for aligning with broader strategic objectives. Muyangwa discussed USAID’s plans to establish an African diaspora bureau, reflecting a commitment to harnessing diaspora expertise and resources for sustainable development.
Initiatives like Prosper Africa were hailed for catalyzing economic partnerships between the United States and Africa, fostering innovation in key sectors. Anie Akpe emphasized the importance of investing in Africa’s youth, citing initiatives like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) as pivotal for driving economic growth and combating climate change.
Nigeria’s potential was showcased through the launch of President Tinubu’s impact investment platform, aiming to unlock new business opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Thelma Ekiyor-Solanke highlighted Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape and job creation agenda, ready to catalyze innovation in partnership with young creatives.
The symposium concluded with optimism and determination, emphasizing the need for concrete action to leverage diaspora engagement for Africa’s sustainable development. ADIS24 served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and resource mobilization, paving the way for a prosperous and resilient future for the continent.
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