Fostering Innovation A Historic Partnership between the State of the African Diaspora and the Kingdom of Hawaii
How can African diaspora communities work together to build lasting business ventures that benefit everyone involved? What practical steps can leaders take to create collaboration that doesn’t just unite but strengthens the economic, social, and cultural ties within the community? These are the questions at the heart of current efforts to foster collaboration, with a focus on shared development and mutual benefit for all stakeholders.
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This article will explore how leaders within the African diaspora can engage in meaningful partnerships that address both local and global challenges, and how such collaborations can bring tangible results in sectors like agriculture, education, tourism, and sustainable business practices.
This article was inspired by a significant development—the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) and the Kingdom of Hawai’i.
Under the leadership of His Majesty Edmund Keli’i Paki-Silva, Jr., Ali’i Nui Mo’i (The King), this agreement marks a major step towards fostering collaboration and advancing shared development goals.
We view this as a remarkable achievement in strengthening connections within the African diaspora, aligning perfectly with our mission in AClasses Academy to build stronger, more collaborative ties across the community. This reflection is born from that shared vision of unity and progress.
Understanding the African Diaspora’s Role in Global Business
The African diaspora is one of the most dynamic and growing populations globally, with over about 300 million people living outside of Africa. This community has long been an important driver of economic development both within their host countries and in Africa.
According to a United Nations report, over the past decade, remittance flows to Africa have surged, more than doubling to reach $100 billion in 2022. This figure now surpasses both Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), highlighting remittances as an increasingly important source of financing for the continent’s development.
See also Education and Collaboration: How USOAD and El Roi University are Reshaping Afro-Centered Learning
In addition to remittances, many diaspora members are engaged in entrepreneurship. African immigrants in the United States, for example, are nearly twice as likely to own businesses compared to the general U.S. population.
This entrepreneurial spirit is evident across the globe, with African diaspora businesses contributing billions of dollars annually to local economies. However, despite these successes, there is still untapped potential.
One of the key barriers to further growth is the lack of formal collaboration and networks that link diaspora businesses across borders. This lack of cohesion limits the potential for shared development and business expansion.
The Importance of Collaboration Within the Diaspora Community
Collaboration is the cornerstone of any successful business venture, and within the African diaspora, it has the potential to create powerful synergies. Leaders within the diaspora community must look beyond isolated efforts and explore ways to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise for the collective good.
When diaspora communities collaborate, they combine strengths from multiple regions and sectors. They bring together diverse business practices, local knowledge, and global networks that can lead to innovative solutions for both economic and social challenges.
Working together on shared projects, businesses within the diaspora can overcome common barriers such as limited access to capital, markets, and resources.
For instance, the partnership between the State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) and the Kingdom of Hawai’i is a practical example of cross-cultural collaboration. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SOAD and Hawai’i are working together to promote cultural preservation, sustainable development, and business growth in areas such as agribusiness, education, and tourism.
This partnership opens doors for businesses in the African diaspora to engage in projects that serve both cultural and economic goals.
The focus is on creating solutions that address critical issues like food security, sustainable farming, and eco-friendly tourism—all of which have the potential to create long-lasting value for the entire diaspora community.
Key Areas for Collaboration
As the African diaspora continues to grow and strengthen globally, collaboration within the community has become essential for driving shared development and long-term success.
By leveraging collective resources, knowledge, and skills, diaspora entrepreneurs can create meaningful partnerships that address pressing challenges and foster sustainable growth.
Now, let’s explore key areas where collaboration can make the most impact, offering practical strategies for building projects that benefit everyone within the diaspora.
Agriculture and Agribusiness
One of the most promising areas for collaboration is agriculture. Africa is rich in natural resources, including fertile land and a variety of crops, yet its agricultural sector remains underdeveloped in many areas.
This presents an opportunity for diaspora entrepreneurs who have expertise in agribusiness to collaborate with local communities and governments in Africa to implement sustainable farming practices, improve food security, and drive economic development.
According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the agricultural sector in Africa could generate an additional $70 billion in annual revenue by 2030 if the right investments are made in technology and infrastructure.
Diaspora-led businesses can play a critical role in facilitating these investments, transferring knowledge, and creating supply chains that link African farms to international markets.
For example, agribusiness initiatives that integrate sustainable farming practices with innovative technologies—such as precision farming, agro-processing, and access to agricultural financing—can boost productivity and empower farmers across the continent.
Through collaboration, diaspora entrepreneurs can lead efforts to create agribusiness hubs that address both food security and local economic development.
Education and Knowledge Exchange
Education is another key area where collaboration can benefit the diaspora community. Across the African diaspora, there is a wealth of talent, experience, and expertise.
You might also like to see Building Bridges for Success: How AClasses Creative Studio Can Strengthen Collaboration Between the African Diaspora and African Talents
From academic achievements to industry leadership, the diaspora holds vast knowledge that can be shared through educational programs, training initiatives, and mentorship networks.
The KORAC Indigenous Education Initiative, in partnership with El Roi London University, exemplifies the kind of collaboration that can elevate educational standards while respecting cultural diversity.
Professor Oluwafemi Esan, a Professor of Biblical Psychology at The Faculty of Biblical Psychology, El-Roi London University, has stressed this on several occasions during his presence at the Obehi Podcast.
Initiatives like this aim to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern educational systems, providing opportunities for both African and indigenous communities to benefit from shared educational resources.
By creating educational exchanges, diaspora leaders can foster a knowledge-sharing culture that strengthens the workforce and drives innovation.
For example, collaborative learning programs in areas like entrepreneurship, technology, and sustainable business practices can prepare the next generation of African diaspora entrepreneurs to succeed in a globalized world.
Tourism and Cultural Preservation
The tourism sector also offers a prime opportunity for collaboration within the African diaspora. With millions of people from the diaspora looking to reconnect with their cultural roots, there is a growing demand for tourism experiences that celebrate Africa’s rich history, heritage, and indigenous cultures.
We are currently focused on developing our Project DEAR (Diaspora Exchange and Retreat), which aims to introduce a fresh and innovative approach to tourism, specifically tailored for Africans and people of African descent. Our goal is to reshape the way we engage with tourism, creating experiences that foster deeper connections, cultural exchange, and mutual growth within the diaspora community.
Sustainable and culturally respectful tourism initiatives can help build bridges between Africa, the diaspora, and other regions.
For example, diaspora entrepreneurs could work together with local communities to develop eco-tourism models that highlight indigenous knowledge, conservation practices, and sustainable development.
This would not only generate economic benefits but also promote cultural exchange and preserve the unique heritage of Africa and the diaspora. The shared goal would be to create tourism projects that provide educational value, support local economies, and protect natural resources for future generations. What about good business practices?
Sustainable Business Practices
Across the African diaspora, there is a shared commitment to finding sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing global challenges. From climate change to economic inequality, diaspora entrepreneurs can unite to create businesses that address these issues through innovation and ethical practices.
Collaboration on sustainable initiatives can take many forms—whether it’s developing green technologies, promoting renewable energy solutions, or implementing socially responsible business models that benefit communities.
By pooling resources and knowledge, diaspora entrepreneurs can create scalable solutions that address local and global needs while ensuring long-term economic sustainability.
Practical Steps for Building Collaborative Projects
- Create Networking Platforms: One of the first steps in building collaboration is to create platforms where diaspora entrepreneurs can meet, share ideas, and find common ground.
- Leverage Technology: Technology can play a major role in breaking down barriers to collaboration. Digital tools, online marketplaces, and virtual platforms can connect diaspora businesses with local communities in Africa and other regions.
- Foster Trust and Transparency: Effective collaboration requires trust. Diaspora leaders must focus on building transparent, mutually beneficial relationships where all parties feel their contributions are valued.
- Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: Collaboration should not be seen as a one-off project but as part of a long-term strategy for shared development. Leaders must prioritize sustainable business models that ensure lasting impact for all stakeholders involved.
Conclusion on Practical Ways to Foster Collaboration Within the African Diaspora Community
The African diaspora is a powerful global community with vast untapped potential. By fostering collaboration and focusing on shared development, diaspora entrepreneurs can create businesses that benefit not only their own ventures but also the broader community.
Key areas such as agriculture, education, tourism, and sustainable business practices offer significant opportunities for joint initiatives. By building strong networks, leveraging technology, and focusing on long-term sustainability, diaspora leaders can create the foundation for a prosperous and unified future.
The time for collaboration is now, and by working together, the African diaspora can realize its full potential and drive meaningful change for future generations.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
