Why African Diaspora Is An Essential Factor For The Continent’s Development

The African Diaspora is the movement of Africans from their places of origin to other parts of the world, notably in North America and Europe. Although it is also a more recent term, the concept “diaspora” has been used to describe people of other ethnic groups who happened to live in different countries than their ancestors, for example, Armenians and Jews. 

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The African Diaspora was instrumental in Africa’s decolonization process by carving out new political systems for newly independent African nations. The creation of new nation-states was only the first step toward independence; creating economic policies and educational systems that empowered the people were equally important.

In today’s world, in our very own continent Africa, we have a wide variety of cultures and traditions. Many Africans scattered around the world lead different lifestyles and strive to fulfill their dreams globally.

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African diasporans are essential factors for cultural communication across the globe. They have access to an internationally-built network among people from all over the world who share one common background – Africa! In other words, African diasporans are important because they help us spread information about our culture worldwide.

Aside from sharing Africa’s culture with their host countries, the diasporans are formidable forces that could help facilitate development in the continent.

Given the diasporans’ exposure and experiences, they serve as essential factors that could help cultivate economic growth, and this article reveals some reasons why the diasporans are essential for developing Africa.

African diasporans, especially those in the majority world, are essential because they are the conduit of exchange and connection between Africa and their home country. They spend their lives traveling back to their original homes and investing in them.

Not only do these African diasporans help strengthen the economy of their homeland with the remittances they send back home (this is seen as a social justice issue), but they help build connections to countries outside of Africa.

This can be seen through foreign direct investments made in developing countries by African diasporans.

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Owing to the fact the diasporans have lived years in their host countries and have learned their culture and politics, they use to influence their home countries’ foreign policy and equally participate in peacekeeping in their home countries during the crisis. That said, the diasporans serve as non-state actors in the international community.

They also help to transform the needed knowledge, technology, and investments, which can be maximized in establishing businesses and making inventions in different African states. A lot of established mini businesses in African countries today all owe to the diasporans considering their provision of capital and the series of investments they make.

These diasporans somewhat imported different hospital facilities and machines available in most countries, and they both also enlightened the home workers on ways they could use the equipment.

This has helped to improve most hospitals in Africa as more needful machines are now available for effective treatment.

These diasporans not only help in creating jobs and reducing the dependence on foreign aid but also for Africa to become globally competitive. Their investments can turn into job creation, which will create a multiplier effect on the economy.

Furthermore, the diasporans have the wherewithal to transform the poor education system in the African state as they have explored and experienced a high standard of education practiced overseas. As they acquire this knowledge and education system, the diasporans introduce this in their home countries and also fund students looking to attain higher education.

In addition, the diasporans generally serve as Africas best human resource. It’s widely known Africa has sizeable natural and human resources but rarely taps into these bourgeoning resources due to lack of knowledge; however, as these diasporans are already versatile and knowledgeable, they become Africa’s best human resources by wholly representing their home countries outside as well as bequeathing their ideas and knowledge to their counterparts.

Hence learning from the diasporans is inexcusable, knowing that a number of them return back home every year to share their experiences with their counterparts, enlighten them on the importance of investments, etc.

Additionally, the diasporans help to foster trade relations between their home countries and the adopted countries by leveraging their professional networks, which those in the home countries don’t have.

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It is because of their strong network base that the diasporans can lure foreign investors to their home countries to make impactful investments that help to elevate the country’s economy.

Conclusion on Why African Diaspora Is An Essential Factor For The Continent’s Development

The African Diaspora is an important driver of global economic growth, and yet a relatively small share of diaspora members are engaged in the economic development of their countries of origin. Full diaspora engagement is critical for citizen-led development and reducing vulnerability in poor African countries.

Generally, Africa’s well-being is tied to the Diaspora. Over time, the continent has benefited from the remittances from experienced investments from the Diaspora. The financial support that the Diaspora gives to their countries of origin contributes significantly to their development.

Download the first chapter of The Storytelling Series: Beginners’ Guide for Small Businesses & Content Creators by Obehi Ewanfoh.