The Importance of Collaboration for a Stronger African Diaspora – WeDiasporan Volunteer Series 16/21

Think about this. What if the most powerful tool for empowering the African diaspora isn’t just individual success, but collective strength? What if the key to unlocking real change within your community lies in collaboration, not competition? Imagine what could happen if the African diaspora, scattered across the globe, came together as one unified force.

Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.

A movement that not only reclaims its cultural identity but also harnesses its collective power to make an impact on the world stage. This is exactly what WeDiasporan is working on to achieve.

At WeDiasporan, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the core of everything we do. Founded by Obehi Ewanfoh, a passionate advocate for African heritage and diaspora empowerment, WeDiasporan was built on the belief that the African diaspora’s true strength comes from working together.

If you have ever felt disconnected from your roots or wondered how you, as an individual, could contribute to something larger than yourself, this article is for you.

We will explore why collaboration is crucial to the growth of the African diaspora, how it can shape your community’s future, and how you can contribute to making this vision a reality.

The Fragmentation of the African Diaspora: A History of Disconnection

The African diaspora spans continents and cultures, yet for centuries, its story has been one of fragmentation. From the colonial era, through the forced migration of enslaved Africans, to modern-day global mobility, the African diaspora has been scattered across the world, separated by borders, languages, and histories.

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In many ways, these divisions still persist today. African communities, whether in the U.S., the U.K., the Caribbean, or Europe, often operate independently of one another, lacking the coordinated efforts needed to address the common challenges they face.

This fragmentation results in missed opportunities for collective action. When individuals and communities work in isolation, it’s harder to build the kind of collective power needed to drive social, cultural, and economic change.

The result? We see communities within the diaspora struggling to reconnect with their cultural roots or to create la asting impact through joint ventures, educational programs, or sustainable business practices.

In their article “Harnessing the Power of Partnerships to Thrive in Turbulent Times,” published on McKinsey.com, Stefan Rickert and Gerd Finck emphasize that strategic partnerships offer rapid access to the innovative solutions, business models, and capabilities of market disruptors.

A prime example is the plant-based food sector, where breakthroughs in technology, brand positioning, and ingredients are accelerating at a remarkable pace. To improve the chances of long-term success, the authors recommend conducting a partnership “health check” once or twice a year.

This regular review helps ensure that joint ventures and alliances are staying on track. Just as importantly, these assessments should support the agility to pivot when shifting market dynamics or new uncertainties arise.

WeDiasporan’s Vision for a Unified Diaspora

At WeDiasporan, we believe that collaboration can bridge these divides and turn fragmentation into strength. We’re dedicated to fostering a stronger, more united African diaspora through the shared understanding of our cultural heritage and the shared vision of a more prosperous future.

Obehi Ewanfoh, the founder of WeDiasporan, has spent over a decade working to reconnect African diasporans with their cultural roots and to bring together African diaspora communities through meaningful partnerships.

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Obehi’s mission stems from his deep understanding of the importance of stories, both personal and collective. His work is grounded in the belief that storytelling has the power to heal, empower, and unite.

The African diaspora’s collective story is one of resilience, strength, and unity in the face of adversity. However, this story has often been fragmented, scattered across different continents and cultures, each with its own version of the narrative.

Through WeDiasporan, Obehi seeks to bring these pieces of the story together, creating a unified narrative that celebrates African culture, fosters cross-border collaboration, and empowers communities within the diaspora.

This vision is simple but powerful: by working together, we can preserve and celebrate our heritage, tackle socio-economic challenges, and create a better future for generations to come.

The Power of Collaboration: Why We Need Each Other

You may wonder: why is collaboration so crucial to the success of the African diaspora? The answer is simple: collaboration magnifies impact. When we come together, we have access to a broader pool of resources — knowledge, skills, networks, and financial support.

In fact, research has shown that diaspora communities can create a substantial impact when they collaborate. According to the World Bank, “the African diaspora plays a vital role in driving development in Africa through the transfer of knowledge, investment, and skills.”

Collaboration also fosters innovation. When diaspora communities work together across borders, they can share new ideas, learn from each other’s successes and failures, and create solutions to common challenges.

For example, in the field of business, collaborations between diasporans and local entrepreneurs have led to groundbreaking initiatives that bridge the gap between African innovation and global markets. Similarly, cultural collaborations have revitalized interest in African art, music, and fashion, ensuring that African culture is celebrated worldwide.

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Moreover, collaboration amplifies advocacy. The African diaspora is increasingly active in raising awareness about the social, political, and economic issues affecting Africa.

But one voice is never as powerful as many. When the diaspora unites, it can advocate for meaningful policy changes, drive international support for African causes, and challenge stereotypes about Africa and its people.

How Collaboration Can Strengthen the African Diaspora

When diaspora communities collaborate, they can achieve more together than they ever could apart. Here’s how collaboration can strengthen the African diaspora:

1. Resource Sharing: Collaboration allows for the pooling of resources — from financial investments to technical expertise — making it possible to tackle large-scale challenges that no single community could address on its own.
2. Creating Stronger Networks: Networks built through collaboration are critical for the success of diaspora communities. These networks provide mentorship, job opportunities, and access to information that would otherwise be inaccessible.
3. Economic Empowerment: By pooling financial and intellectual resources, diaspora communities can create businesses, invest in education, and promote sustainable development that benefits everyone. Projects like the Diaspora Tourism Experience (DTE) are great examples of how collaboration within the diaspora leads to economic and cultural empowerment.
4. Cultural Preservation: Collaboration also plays a crucial role in preserving African cultural heritage. By coming together, we can share our stories, protect our traditions, and ensure that future generations maintain a deep connection to their roots.
5. Increased Global Influence: The African diaspora has the potential to become a global force for change. When we collaborate, we build collective influence that can shift the global narrative about Africa and the diaspora. By uniting, we can challenge stereotypes, promote African culture, and advocate for social change on a much larger scale.

Building Stronger Networks: How You Can Contribute

Collaboration is key to a stronger, more impactful African diaspora. But how can you, as an individual, help build this collaborative network?

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1. Connect with Others: Start by connecting with like-minded individuals, whether through social media, community groups, or professional networks. By building relationships, you open the door to collaborative opportunities.
2. Support Diaspora-Led Initiatives: There are numerous organizations, like WeDiasporan, that are working to foster collaboration within the African diaspora. Volunteer your time, share your skills, or simply offer your support.
3. Invest in Collective Projects: Whether it’s a business venture, a cultural exchange program, or an educational initiative, get involved in projects that are focused on collaboration and collective empowerment. Your contribution, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact.
4. Share Your Story: One of the most powerful ways to collaborate is by sharing your personal story. Every story adds value to the collective narrative of the African diaspora. By telling your story, you help to create a more complete and authentic picture of who we are and where we come from.

Conclusion: Collaboration Is the Path Forward

The future of the African diaspora is bright — but only if we choose to work together. Collaboration is the key that will unlock our collective power and enable us to create a lasting impact, not just for our communities but for the world at large.

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Whether you’re a member of the diaspora or an ally, your contribution to this collaborative movement can help reshape the narrative, empower future generations, and build a more unified and resilient global community.

So, ask yourself: What role will you play in this collaboration movement? How can you contribute to building a stronger, more united African diaspora? The choice is yours — and the time to act is now.

Learn How to Leverage Your Story through our Story To Asset Framework.