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Africa’s Diaspora Generation And Its Role In The Future Of Africa

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“What if Africa’s single greatest resource isn’t buried in the ground, but lives and works in every corner of the globe?”

Africa, home to 18.83% of the total world population which translates to about 1,548,441,880 people based on Worldometers’ elaboration of the latest United Nations Data. With a median age of 19.3, Africa also boasts a diaspora community of about 350 million people, a third of the world’s population after China and India.

Perhaps the greatest asset of Africa can arguably be said not to lie in its abundant resources, with the continent boasting of the richest concentration of natural resources such as oil, copper, diamonds, bauxite, lithium, gold, hardwood forests, and tropical fruits, while It is estimated that 30% of the earth’s mineral resources are found in the continent, along with the world’s biggest precious metal reserves on earth. Africa’s greatest resource with the potential to harness the development of the continent and redirect its fortunes that has continued to lag due to mismanagement and widespread corruption perhaps lies with its diaspora community.

As aptly pointed out in a research report on Africans in Diaspora by Experience Africa, “as of today, the African Diaspora is one of the most important in the world in terms of numbers”.

Evolution of The African Diaspora Community

The history of the African diaspora community could be said to have evolved because of several factors at play. The first wave of identification came about with the forced migration that was influenced by the transatlantic slave trade which occurred around the 16th – 19th centuries. Captured slaves from Africa estimated to be about 12 million were shipped to Europe, North America, and South America.

This movement could be said to be the foundation of the first Africans in the Diaspora community as a large community of Africans became present in Europe and America. Though with time, many of these migrated slaves began losing connection with their land of origin.

The second wave of identification came about due to the economic migration of the late colonial and early post-independence period. Despite the positives from post-independence gains, many Africans explored the shores beyond the continent in search of better working conditions or to seek the acquisition of more educational degrees. 

Economic and cultural ties between former colonial countries and their colonized nations became stronger as some would later form organizations like the Commonwealth of Nations made up of former colonies of the British Empire which was formed to collaborate on issues relating to trade, development, and education.

The third wave of identification came about due to the migration of Africans fleeing political persecution, wars, extreme and rising poverty due to the mismanagement of the continent’s resources. Many skilled professionals especially among its younger generation would seek opportunities away from home.

According to an African Development Bank Report, it points out that “The African Union’s estimation that about the emigration of approximately 70,000 skilled professionals emigrate from Africa every year. This is among the highest immigration rates of skilled professionals in the world. Since 1990, the total number of African migrants living outside of the region, including skilled professionals, has more than doubled to about 20 million by 2020, with the growth in Europe most pronounced. Most of the African-born migrants living outside the region were residing in Europe (11 million), Asia (nearly 5 million), and North America (around 3 million).

StakeholderShort‐Term (1–2 yrs)Medium‐Term (3–5 yrs)Long-Term (5–10 yrs)
GovernmentsLaunch unified diaspora portals; ease FX rulesEstablish diaspora seats in parliament; match-fund projectsIssue diaspora investment bonds ($5 b+)
Private SectorPartner on remote training bootcamps (STEM, agri)Co-invest in startups via diaspora VC fundsScale pan-African venture platforms
Diaspora NetworksBuild centralized registries; host local chapter meetupsExpand mentorship programs; sponsor scholarshipsCreate diaspora-backed infrastructure SPVs
IndividualsJoin professional hubs; share expertise via webinarsMentor 5–10 home-country professionals annuallyLead & co-found African innovation labs

Strength of Africa’s Diaspora Community

Africa’s diaspora community as of today is probably one of the strongest and active communities of citizens in the world with many of them holding influential positions in recognized international organizations or playing critical roles in sectors that cut across political, economic, cultural, sports, and financial.

The potential to shape the trajectory of Africa’s progress by leveraging knowledge gained especially from living in already developed economies can help elevate the prospects of the continent and reshape its trajectory of development.

As aptly pointed out in a March 14, 2024 article by the World Economic forum titled – How tapping into the power of the global Black economy can boost Africa’s innovation and prosperity, it points out that “Africans in the diaspora have the potential to be the innovators, researchers and investors that will empower the next generation and boost economic prosperity through technology and innovation.

Through investing with local institutions and fostering deeper connections across the African diaspora and Black cultures, there are endless opportunities to have a real impact on the economic mobility and wealth of the population”.

Impacting Africa’s Development

The economic and socio-political impact of the African diaspora community on the continent’s development is multifaceted beyond the conventional remittances. Whether it is in investment ventures, entrepreneurship, job creation, or shaping the political landscape of the continent, the African Diaspora Community tends to reshape Africa to drive sustainable growth for the continent.

  • Diaspora Investments: Whether it is in multi-billion-dollar infrastructure development or supporting local start-ups, the diaspora community can influence the flow of investments that are targeted at improving the fortunes of their home countries whether at the local or urban level. These investments hold the potential to jump-start economic growth and prosperity.
  • Diaspora Knowledge and Skill Transfer: Scholarships, sponsorships, educational partnerships, introduction and support of STEM Education can enhance access to modern educational opportunities thereby translating to the rise in quality education which gives birth to the development of human capital.


Diaspora organizations can create this opportunity through mentorship, seminars, and scenarios that provide skills development opportunities. Professionals like doctors, engineers, and other leading professional experts can also leverage their expertise and contribute to the growth of different sectors in their home country through the transfer of essential skills and knowledge.

  • Diaspora Cultural Influence: Perhaps one of the most thriving influences of the African diaspora community is its role in promoting African culture overseas, especially through media and entertainment. Through art exhibitions, music, and cultural festivals, diaspora musicians, artists, filmmakers, and writers, are taking the story of Africa beyond its shores reshaping the world’s impression of the continent. This in turn has created platforms for Africa’s home-grown talent to emerge and also drawn the needed attention to the growth of Africa’s tourism potential.
  • Diaspora Political Influence: Africa’s Diaspora Community’s biggest opportunity lies in reshaping the political governance on the continent. With several African governments recognizing the importance of driving development for their people and seeking professional expertise by luring many of their skilled professionals in diaspora to take up political offices, the continent stands a chance at achieving sustainable development.

Case Studies

1. Diaspora Bonds in Action

  • Ethiopia’s GERD Bond: In 2011–12, Ethiopia issued its first “Renaissance Dam” diaspora bond, raising $5.8 million from 3,100 U.S. investors to fund the hydroelectric project.
  • Nigeria’s $300 Million Infrastructure Bond: Drawing on patriotic sentiment, Nigeria’s 2017 diaspora bond was oversubscribed by 130 percent, raising $300 million for roads and power upgrades.

2. Fintech & Faster Flows

  • BitPesa → Aza Finance: Launched in 2014, BitPesa used blockchain rails to cut remittance fees by half and settle payments in under an hour, pivotal in corridors like Kenya–UK.
  • Mazzuma in Ghana: This 2015‑founded startup melds AI and blockchain to process instant payments for 300,000+ users, partnering with MTN, Vodafone, and UNDP to lower costs and boost transparency.

3. Diaspora‑Backed Startups

  • Flutterwave’s Unicorn Leap: Founded by Nigerian‑born entrepreneurs, Flutterwave has raised $420 million from global VCs to build payment APIs spanning 150 currencies, enabling diaspora remittances, merchant payouts, and cross‑border commerce.

By 2030, a fully engaged diaspora could drive:

  • $200 Billion+ in annual FDI and remittances, surpassing current aid flows by 4×.
  • 50 million new STEM and green‑energy jobs, powered by diaspora‑sponsored training.
  • 25 million first‑time overseas voters influencing home‑country reforms.

If Africa’s 350 million children of the diaspora unite with the continent’s 1.5 billion at home, the stage will be set for a new era of pan‑African prosperity, anchored not just in its soil, but in its global family.

Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com

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