Amini Kajunju, president and CEO of the Africa-America Institute (AAI), offered 10 ways in which Africans living abroad can help to empower Africa during a speech she recently gave at the Harvard Club in New York City. A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kajunju was the keynote speaker at the May 13 edition of “The Africa Now: Policy Series,” organized by the African Development Institute and the Institute for Multicultural Communications, Cooperation and Development, Inc. She called on Africans in the Diaspora to do the following:
1. Dispel myths and stereotypes about Africa. Diasporans can serve as ‘brand ambassadors’ to bring a new vision and inspiring ideas for Africa. “You can become the face of a ‘new Africa’—young, educated, optimistic, and actively working to transform and shape Africa’s future. We are a new generation of African leaders. There are endless possibilities of how we can make an impact on Africa!”
2. Help to shape U.S. foreign policy priorities and international policy. Diasporans can do so by offering informative analysis of on-the-ground realities in African nations and sharing underreported success stories of progress taking place, as well as challenges. “Most importantly, we need to expand and strengthen a constituency for Africa in the United States. Become engaged in forums and other events hosted by AAI and others to weigh in on critical issues impacting Africa.”
3. Bring reforms to the continent. Diasporans are in the vanguard of fostering positive changes and reforms in Africa through deep connections across continents, especially the on-the-ground and personal relationships with individuals, business leaders and officials in the respective countries. The power of technology and social networking can strengthen connections with like-minded members of the Diaspora who want to bring needed reforms to accelerate progress on the continent.
Diasporans should not shy away from obtaining government jobs to reform that sector. Bringing their management skills, resources and expertise to government, Diasporans can help to transform that sector by assisting governments in improving their transparency, accountability and service delivery to create a conducive environment for development progress to thrive and flourish.
4. Serve as a “bridge” between home country and the U.S. Diaspora communities can serve as a “bridge” to advance better communications and stronger, deeper relationships between their home country and resident country. “In many ways, we have a ‘transnational identity’ and can easily move back and forth culturally and physically between our resident and home countries. We are able to share, interpret, and understand both points of view, and provide insight and expertise on a broad range of issues relevant to each country.”
5. Mobilize resources for humanitarian disasters. When a humanitarian disaster strikes or an outbreak of conflict, an organized Diaspora can assist in quickly raising funds for the relief effort and in rebuilding countries. The Diaspora can also assist in channeling updates on what’s happening in-country and how real lives are impacted by the disaster or conflict.
6. Continue to make remittances to family back home—for now. While remittances alone will not promote sustainable development in African nations, it can help to provide for the immediate needs of individual households and greatly improve the quality of life for families. Because of remittances, younger family members may be able to go to school, achieve gainful employment, and eventually increase the family’s economic potential.
7. Lead in investing in Africa’s emerging markets. Explore opportunities to invest in and launch successful African-led businesses and enterprises in Africa to create needed jobs and spur economic growth. The continent offers some of the highest return on direct foreign investment in the world. “As Diasporans, we understand the local economy and culture, and are willing to take on greater risks on the business and investment opportunities that others may opt to pass on.”
8. Spark innovation and technological know-how in home countries. Today, Africans in the Diaspora are continuing the “brain gain” trend among AAI alumni. Skilled professionals are recognizing Africa’s tremendous opportunities and are returning home in greater numbers, bringing new technologies, knowledge and ideas to drive innovation in their home countries.
9. Become mentors to young professionals in home country. Diasporans can empower young African professionals on the continent—as well as in the U.S.—by sharing their knowledge and expertise. “Diasporans can nurture professional growth in young professionals and narrow the existing “skills gap” by exposing them to new careers and fields of study, expanding their horizons to wider opportunities in their profession.”
10. Bring talent, energy, and skills to furthering economic progress in Africa. An educated and skilled workforce is essential to fill top positions at Africa-based multinational corporations and organizations and to ensure that the continent can effectively compete in a global economy.
