Ethiopia streamlines banking processes and introduces new credit lines for Ethiopians at home and within the Diaspora

The National Bank of Ethiopia has partnered with 30 retail banks to launch Unite.et. This is an online platform built for “non-resident Ethiopians and persons of Ethiopian origin” to open both local and foreign currency bank accounts virtually, from wherever they are in the world.

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Afrieximbank & Africa Center to launch Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center in NYC later on in September

“The Africa Center and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have announced the upcoming launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center (AADC), a groundbreaking initiative that will help bridge the gap between Africans on the continent and the African Diaspora, and the African continent.”

Read more

Diaspora Africa Conference Ghana 2024, Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana: 30th August 2024 - 2nd September 2024
”The conference, themed "Building Resilient Connections: The Power of the African Diaspora," will assemble leaders in Business, Technology, and Real Estate.”

New England Ghana Festival 2024, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA: 7th September 2024
”NEGFEST 2024 is organized by the Ghana Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Honorary Ghana Consulate in Massachusetts, the US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The festival aims to highlight the rich cultural traditions of Ghana while fostering new opportunities for Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora.”

Back to Your Origin Summer Fest, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 8th - 10th September 2024
”The 3-day event includes fashion show, sporting event, expo, and entertainment which will create an opportunity for participants to know their root better and will help them to promote the country’s rich history, tradition and cultural assets, among others.”

Read more

Virgin Atlantic marks Ghana returns and relaunches daily flights between Accra and London Heathrow

Daily direct flights between Accra Kotoka International Airport and Heathrow are expected to resume from May 2025 after a 12 year absence. 30 tonnes of cargo capacity will also be made available on each flight, helping to serve lucrative fresh produce markets in the UK and the US.

Daily Flight details as planned from May 2025:
LHR – ACC VS403 – 22:30 / 05:00* ACC – LHR VS404 – 09:15 / 17:25

Read more

Welcome back to the third edition of the Diaspora of Africa newsletter.

My weekly posts will keep you in the know about all of the significant Diaspora dealings as and when I come across them. If I hear about it, it’ll be posted and gathered here, neatly onto one page.

Diaspora finance and remittances news:

Ethiopia streamlines banking processes and introduces new credit lines for Ethiopians at home and within the Diaspora

The National Bank of Ethiopia has partnered with 30 retail banks to launch Unite.et. This is an online platform built for “non-resident Ethiopians and persons of Ethiopian origin” to open both local and foreign currency bank accounts virtually, from wherever they are in the world.

As part of this initiative (named ‘Debo’), 100 billion birr or about $875 million has been fronted by participating banks for the Ethiopian Diaspora. The monies will be dispersed as credit in the form of mortgages, as well as vehicle and business loans.

In the inaugural edition of this newsletter, I wrote about Ethiopia’s renewed push to simplify banking and investing from overseas as part of a broader strategy to attain exchange rate stability in the face of currency reforms. Laying down the financial infrastructure for making swift payments and investments into the country from overseas creates a fresh starting point for a floating exchange rate mechanism. Providing considerable loan finance for the Diaspora fosters a buy-in into the nation’s financial system and broader economy.

Global African Diaspora encouraged to expand engagement in African philanthropy efforts

Co-founder of Grace Emergency Room, Dr Ayo Ajim recently delivered a presentation on philanthropy across the global African Diaspora. The talk was delivered in Houston, Texas, as part of the African Diaspora Philanthropy Dialogues - an initiative arranged by the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa’s (OWA) Sustainable Philanthropy Dialogue series.

Dr Ajim used the speech to highlight the tax benefits tied to the Diaspora giving back home to the Motherland. He also brought attention to the OWA’s pledge to match donor funding targeted towards Nigerian, Ghanaian and Senegalese civil society organizations by up to 50 percent, thanking them for it and encouraging the global African Diaspora to take advantage of such a philanthropic initiative.

US company Ria Money Transfer teams up with Ecobank Uganda Limited to ease flow of remittances into Uganda

Through this partnership, remittances sent from overseas into the country will be deposited directly into Ecobank customer accounts. This development will reduce the number of steps between sender and recipient, and possibly lower the costs associated with sending money abroad, including those pertaining to commission fees.

Nigerian Fintech provider Kredete raises $2.25 million seed funding

Kredete currently boasts 300,000 users and recently secured $2.25 million in seed funding from the likes of “Techstars, Tezos Found, Polymorphic Capital, Launch Africa, Neer Venture Partners, SDF, and DNA Fund.” along with Angel Investors like Wise and Western Union.

Kredete utilizes stablecoins (cryptocurrencies whose value is tied to that of fiat currencies like the USD or other asset classes) to offer low sending fees of “less than a dollar” The platform also works with a litany of financial institutions, and uses user data on remittance transfers, to help develop credit scores of African Diaspora in their new countries.

My previous edition of the Diaspora of Africa newsletter highlighted how nearly $400 billion worth of remittances was sent over a 20 year period to Nigeria alone. Continent-wide, it is a $100 billion market on an annual basis. Remittance transfer fees across Africa are among the highest in the world at over seven percent of the total sent, exemplifying the vast size and growth potential of this market for African fintech. Hence, it’s of no surprise to see firms like Kredete garnering millions of dollars in funding.

Nigeria’s $500 million bond oversubscribed by 100 percent

I recently reported on the first $500 million tranche of Nigeria’s plans to issue $2 billion in US-dollar denominated five year bonds that pay out annual returns of 9.75 percent interest. I noted how bonds with such competitive rates would likely attract a fair share of interested investors for the country. This appears to have happened with the Nigerian Tribune reporting that the initial bond issuance drew in about $1 billion in purchases versus the allocated $500 million.

As previously noted, access to these bond issuances are restricted to resident Nigerians and those of its global Diaspora, along with foreign investors based in Nigeria. While certain institutional investors and pension funds are eligible for purchases, it seems as if the bonds were issued with a view to attracting investors who have some kind of ‘skin in the game’, and are therefore less likely to bail and sell at the first signs of distress in the country’s economy, as is more often the case with foreign institutional investors and traders.

Ghanaian business expert shares his thoughts remittances and Ghanaian economic development

Ghanaian business lecturer Dr. Andrews Ayiku recently penned an insightful piece titled Using remittances to boost economic growth in Ghana for Ghana’s Graphic Business. Well worth a read!

Travel and immigration news:

Virgin Atlantic marks Ghana returns and relaunches daily flights between Accra and London Heathrow

Daily direct flights between Accra Kotoka International Airport and Heathrow are expected to resume from May 2025 after a 12 year absence. 30 tonnes of cargo capacity will also be made available on each flight, helping to serve lucrative fresh produce markets in the UK and the US.

Daily Flight details as planned from May 2025:
LHR – ACC VS403 – 22:30 / 05:00* ACC – LHR VS404 – 09:15 / 17:25

Nigerian government assures ‘seamless’ visa process for would-be visitors to the 2024 Ipada Carnival in Lagos

The new carnival event will be “a rich blend of music, art, food, and performances that celebrate African heritage. The festival is expected to highlight traditional and contemporary African culture” It is a week-long celebration that’ll last from 29th November - 8th December 2024. It has been launched with intentions to attract the African Diaspora in particular, with the nation’s Ministry of Tourism planning to remove prohibitive visa restrictions in an effort to lead Nigeria’s tourism industry to a post-COVID recovery.

President Ruto visits Germany this week in order to finalize 250,000 Kenyan migrant workers labour agreement

President Ruto will visit Germany this week to close-up on a deal that has been in the making since at least March of this year. In a country where the median age is 45 and population growth is either stagnant or declining in most years, Germany is in desperate need of young, skilled workers. Hence, why it is looking to Kenya, among a list of other countries, to fill local labour shortages. As a nation with a relatively well-educated youth that also boasts a large number of advanced English speakers, Kenya fits the bill in a number of different areas.

This agreement builds on recent news regarding Kenyan economic migration into Saudi Arabia. With that said, the size of the Germany’s Kenyan Diaspora is estimated to be a mere 10,000, in light of the results of recent state elections across Germany, such an increase will not be without controversy. Furthermore, with a working population measured at approximately half of Kenya’s total population of 56 million, can the East African nation really afford to export so many (almost one percent) of its most skilled and productive workers overseas?

Given that Germany’s working population is considerably larger and more productive than that of Kenya’s, one can’t help but wonder about who needs these additional 240,000 Kenyan skilled and semi-skilled workers more. As migrant worker demands increase throughout the industrialized world over the next few decades, African nations will have to strike a delicate balance between exporting surplus workers and setting themselves up for brain drain, something I touched on in a recent piece titled Why Mass Migration is Not the Solution to Ailing Growth in Africa, Europe or Anywhere Else.

Nigerian Diaspora Voting Right Bill to be given hearing in the National Assembly later on in September

Last week we touched on how the Nigerian Diaspora Voting Council is lobbying for the passage of the aforementioned bill, which would permit up to 17 million Nigerians abroad the right to vote in the country’s election. Now it appears as if the bill will receive a hearing before the National Assembly in the third week of September. The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has thrown their support behind the bill, which aims to give the Nigerian Diaspora the vote by amending the Electoral Act, 2022.

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New African Diaspora appointments and initiatives:

Afrieximbank & Africa Center to launch Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center in NYC later on in September

“The Africa Center and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have announced the upcoming launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center (AADC), a groundbreaking initiative that will help bridge the gap between Africans on the continent and the African Diaspora, and the African continent.”

Kenyan Diaspora in UK Launches Alliance to Boost Community and Business Ties

“On September 3, 2024, hundreds of Kenyan expatriates convened virtually to propose the creation of a comprehensive directory aimed at unifying Kenyan communities and businesses across the UK.”

First Lady of Kenya calls on Kenyan Diaspora to do all they can to support “nation-building efforts”

“First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on Kenyans living abroad to leverage their expertise, experience, and networks to support Kenya’s development. During her visit to China, Rachel met with Kenyan women professionals residing and working in Beijing and described Kenyans abroad as goodwill ambassadors who act as vital links between the country and the rest of the world.”

Thousands of Kenyans leaving the country for diaspora jobs unaccounted for - NEA

“Thousands of Kenyans are leaving the country to foreign nations cannot be unaccounted for due to confusion in government. This is according to the National Employment Authority (NEA), which says there is no coordination among government agencies on who is registering those seeking employment services outside the country.”

Mnangagwa meets with Zimbabwean Diaspora in China

“Members of the Diaspora commended President Mnangagwa for the achievements of the Second Republic, highlighting progress made in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. They also took the opportunity to voice the challenges they face while living abroad, ranging from legal issues to economic hardships.”

Kenyan content creators invited for exclusive China trip slated for end of September

“In a bid to foster cultural exchange and creativity, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya has launched an initiative targeting Kenyan online content creators for a unique trip to China. The campaign promises an immersive experience in some of China's most dynamic and historically rich cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing.”

Nigerian Diaspora voices concern over execution of Tinubu economic reforms

“The Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) have expressed growing concern over the worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, particularly in light of the recent surge in fuel prices and the mismanagement of critical economic policies. In a statement released by the group’s leadership, they commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to steering the country toward prosperity but criticized his economic managers for failing to effectively support his vision.”

Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman and U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello speak with Sudanese Diaspora

“The Deputy Administrator and the Special Envoy reiterated to the Sudanese diaspora community that the United States will continue to support the Sudanese people as this war and man-made famine continues.”

Recent events:

Diaspora Africa Conference Ghana 2024, Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana: 30th August 2024 - 2nd September 2024

”The conference, themed "Building Resilient Connections: The Power of the African Diaspora," will assemble leaders in Business, Technology, and Real Estate.”

New England Ghana Festival 2024, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA: 7th September 2024

”NEGFEST 2024 is organized by the Ghana Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Honorary Ghana Consulate in Massachusetts, the US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The festival aims to highlight the rich cultural traditions of Ghana while fostering new opportunities for Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora.”

Back to Your Origin Summer Fest, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: 8th - 10th September 2024

”The 3-day event includes fashion show, sporting event, expo, and entertainment which will create an opportunity for participants to know their root better and will help them to promote the country’s rich history, tradition and cultural assets, among others.”

Ongoing and upcoming events:

When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland: 25th May - 24th November 2024

“This multifaceted special exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart introduces viewers to figurative painting by Black artists from Africa and the African Diaspora dating from the 1920s through to the present.”

Ethiopia at the Crossroads, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio, USA: 17th August - 10th November 2024

”The Toledo Museum of Art presents Ethiopia at the Crossroads, an extraordinary exhibition celebrating the artistic traditions of Ethiopia from their origins to the present day.”

Benin Dues. Dealing with Looted Royal Treasures, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland: 24 August 2024 - 14 September 2025

“This exhibition, drawing on research from the Swiss Benin Initiative (BIS), has been developed with Nigerian experts from Benin City and diaspora groups in Zurich.”

Afro-Cuban Music Workshops, The Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Lynn, Massachusetts, Boston, USA: 7th September 2024 and 19th October 2024

”The Saturday Afro-Cuban music workshops with Maestro Sandy Pérez will be continuing in the fall. He will hold intermediate and beginner workshops on September 7th and October 19th, at our usual location in Lynn.”

Industrial Investment Summit, Abeere, Osun State, Nigeria :11th - 14th September 2024

”The Osun State Investment Summit 2024 is packaged to showcase bankable opportunities and strategic matchmaking platforms, convening stakeholders to Osun Industrial ecosystem to facilitate partnerships and investments in the State.”

Re-INCARNATION, London, England: 18th -19th September 2024

“Re-INCARNATION tells the cycle of life marked by the urban vibrancy of the Nigerian city of Lagos. An ode to Nigerian culture, this dance, music, fashion and visual art performance showcases the depth of ancient Yoruba philosophy mixed with Nigerian youth culture.”

Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation's ART IS ALIVE festival, NYC, New York, USA: 21st September 2024

“Every year we present the richness of African and African Diasporic multi-disciplinary art forms including vibrant performances, engaging classes, and educational and insightful workshops,”

Germane Barnes: Columnar Disorder, Chicago, Illinois, USA: 21st September 2024 - 27th January 2025

”For his first solo museum exhibition, Barnes recasts the canonical foundations of Western architecture through the lens of the African diaspora. Critically reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Classical orders—the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—whose distinctive columns continue to proliferate in our built environment today, Barnes upends these long-standing and ubiquitous conventions by reimagining architectural orders that are instead rooted in the Black experience, history, and values.”

Official Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center Launch Event, NYC, New York, USA: 23rd September 2024

”The 2024 Future Africa Forum will include a panel conversation, special remarks by invited guests, and a celebration of African fashion, complemented by live music and African gastronomy. Points of Resonance will be free and open to the public for two months, showcasing the dynamic interplay of African and Diaspora identities.”

The Africa-America Institute 40th Annual Awards Gala, NYC, New York, USA: 24th September 2024

“This year’s gala, themed “Bridging Cultures & Igniting Futures: An Evening Honoring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture,” will feature a Presidential Fireside Chat with His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, and His Excellency Joseph Boakai, the President of Liberia.”

2024 East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium, Nairobi, Kenya: 27th September 2024

”This year, the Pan-African Council has partnered with Diamond Trust Bank (Kenya) for the 2024 East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium, an interactive and dynamic action-oriented full-day event with the theme of “Empowering the African Diaspora to Accelerate Trade, Investment, and Economic Growth in East Africa”.”

Sounds of Africa, National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C, USA: September 28th, October 26th and November 16th 2024

“We are celebrating 60 years of African Art in theDistrict with the National Museum of African Art. The Smithsonian is sponsoring a series of free concerts to share the Sounds of Africa, a tribute to the music of the African Diaspora.”

UK-Zimbabwe Business Expo, Birmingham, England: 4th October 2024

"We anticipate drawing around 3 000 participants to the event, which will be held at the Bethnal Centre in Birmingham, a fitting venue that resonates with our vision, as it is also Zimbabwean-owned."

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024, Algiers, Algeria: 16th - 19th October 2024

“CANEX WKND 2024 represents a pivotal moment for creative and cultural industries in Global Africa to showcase their talent and thrive. By bringing together diverse talents from across the continent and diaspora, we’re not just showcasing creativity; we’re not just showcasing creativity; we’re building a robust ecosystem that will propel African culture onto the global stage.”

Ipada Carnival 2024, Lagos, Nigeria: 29th November - 8th December 2024

”The Ipada Carnival itself promises to be a major draw for tourists, offering a rich blend of music, art, food, and performances that celebrate African heritage. The festival is expected to highlight traditional and contemporary African culture, making it a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the continent’s diverse traditions.”

The African Clothing & Cosmetics Roadshow, Atlanta, Georgia: 31st January - 2nd February 2025

”A series of 3-day activities (panel, conference, workshops, expo, sales, and trade event, B2B, B2C) across different U.S. Cities (New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas) to connect buyers and retailers interested in sourcing in Africa to the African fashion and cosmetics manufacturers. The objective is to strengthen U.S.-Africa trade and investments and promote African export products that are eligible under AGOA.”

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Inspiring Stories:

NIDCOM heaps praise on UK-based member of Nigerian Diaspora for donating 200 wheelchairs to users in Lagos

”Edun, the founder of the NGO, A.C.E, stated that the philanthropic gesture was his own way of giving back to the society, as a Nigerian in the Diaspora. According to him, proceeds from his published books were used to wholly fund and procure the 200 wheelchairs, via the charity initiative.”

Thank you for reading the Diaspora of Africa weekly newsletter. Please navigate to the homepage to view each section as an individual page.

Welcome back to the second edition of the Diaspora of Africa newsletter. From now on I will be publishing these posts each Monday instead of Saturday.

My weekly posts will keep you in the know about all of the significant Diaspora dealings as and when I come across them. If I hear about it, it’ll be posted and gathered here, nearly onto one page.

Diaspora finance and remittances news:

Nigerian Diaspora sent nearly $400 billion worth of remittances over 20 year period

Data shared by NIDCOM shows that the Nigerian Diaspora sent $367 billion back to Nigeria in the form of remittances over the 20 year period from 2000-2020. In some years, the value of the foreign exchange earned from remittances exceeded that of the country’s oil exports.

The figures given are also likely an undercount of the entire sum of money sent back home by the Nigerian Diaspora over that period as it only measures formal remittances. As This metric doesn't include money given to domiciled Nigerians by members of the Nigerian Diaspora in person on trips back home, nor does it include gifts sent. In fact, recent studies put the true figure in excess of 50 percent of the amount stated in official data.

Nigeria could potentially attract up to $100 billion per year in remittances

On this note, Head of Research at Comercio Partners, Ifeanyi Uba recently touted the possibility of Nigeria attracting $100 billion per year in remittances in the near future by “investing in education, skills development, and exports, similar to India’s achievements.” With that said, while all of these numbers are impressive, how does the Nollywood nation plan to make remittances generate sustained economic growth? In spite of receiving such vast sums of gifted money, in 2023 Nigeria’s economy was still smaller than it was in 2010.

Upward trajectory for Kenyan Diaspora remittances as Saudi Arabia overtakes UK for source of Kenyan remittances

Fellow NEKS member Kenya also announced its intentions to increase annual diaspora remittances to Sh1 trillion (approximately $7.7 billion) by 2027, up considerably from 2023 figures of Sh671 billion (approximately $5.2 billion). Kenyan real estate companies are also looking to cash in on the lucrative and expanding Kenyan Diaspora market by making it simpler and more convenient for them to purchase land plots and dwellings from abroad.

Data also shows that Kenyan Diaspora remittance flows from Saudi Arabia surpassed those of the United Kingdom this year. Marking a significant shift in the migration patterns of the Kenyan Diaspora over time with government figures indicating that over 300,000 Kenyans - or close to one percent of the Saudi Arabia’s total population - are now working in the country.

Issues concerning the abuse of Kenyan workers by Saudi employers notwithstanding, both national governments seem intent on having more Kenyans take up gainful employment in the Gulf state. Within the last year, President William Ruto has announced that Saudi Arabia wants to create 350,000 jobs for Kenyans, with this intention being underlined by the East African nation recently agreeing to send 2,500 skilled workers to the country, and Saudi Arabia agreeing to lower the hiring fees for Kenyan workers earlier this year.

Travel and immigration news:

Race to pledge innovative policies to attract more of the Diaspora into Ghana ahead of December elections

Last week I reported on New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia’s promise to grant visa-free travel for all citizens of African and Caribbean countries if voted in as President of Ghana in the December 2024 general elections.

In response to this announcement, opposition presidential candidate John Dramani revealed ambitions to launch a “Pan African Month, Celebrating Heritage, History and Diaspora” as part of a wider ‘Black Star Experience’ initiative geared towards growing the country’s creative industries.

Shortly thereafter, independent presidential candidate and entrepreneur Nana Kwame Bediako a.k.a. Cheddar pledged to raise $50 billion by selling access to Ghanaian citizenship to 1 million Africans who invest at least $50,000 into the country.

As we near closer to what is arguably Ghana’s most important national election in over 20 years, such campaign promises highlight the growing economic importance of the wider global African Diaspora to Ghana.

Ghanaian NIA to launch pilot programme for Ghana card “virtual” applications

Last week, Ghanaian authority the National Identification Agency announced the launch of a pilot programme in Ottawa, Canada, that will test the feasibility of allowing those eligible for register for their Ghana Card online and not just in-person.

Brand Ambassador estimates that Nigeria passed up $9 billion of revenue by not launching their own version of Ghana Year of the Return campaign

Circling back to Nigeria again, Nigerian brand ambassador and Managing Director of Kalo Brand Media Kazeem Balogun estimated that the country lost out on $9 billion in revenue by not adopting a campaign similar to that of Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return. Given that these estimates are based on Ghanaian figures, such a number is likely an undershot once we consider the vast size and scale of Nigeria’s economy when compared with that of Ghana’s.

Although, it is not always as easy as simply cutting and pasting an initiative to a neighbouring nation. Any Year of Return-like cultural exchange initiative that Nigeria plans to implement needs targeted private sector engagement, along with relaxed travel and visa reforms if it wants to truly emulate the success of the Ghanaian tourism campaign.

NDVC pushes for eligibility of Nigerians stationed abroad to vote in Nigerian elections

The Nigerian Diaspora Voting Council is lobbying for the passage of the Diaspora Voting Bill. Passage of this bill would enable Nigerian citizens to vote in elections while based abroad. Considering that the size of the Nigerian Diaspora is calculated at 17 million, approval of such a bill into law would have wide repercussions for the political landscape of Nigeria.

Tanzania makes amendments to immigration and land rights for Tanzanian non-citizen Diaspora

I also reported on appeals made by Tanzania’s Diaspora to the government to reform dual citizenship laws in last week’s newsletter. And things seem to be moving in a favourable direction on that front. The Tanzanian government plans to make amendments to the Immigration and Land Acts which include updating the definitions for a Diaspora Tanzanite Card that those who were once originally Tanzanian citizens will be eligible for as members of the Tanzania non-citizen diaspora. The Land Act will categorize Tanzania non-citizen diaspora in with Tanzanian citizens for the right to “special derivative rights” too.

Kenyan Diaspora wants to see changes made dual citizenship eligibility criteria

Diaspora of neighbouring nation Kenya are also pushing for change in their home country on the dual citizenship front. Specifically in relation to a provision within the Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011 that currently denies Kenyans who obtained foreign citizenship before 2010 eligibility for dual citizenship.

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New African Diaspora appointments and initiatives:

Afrieximbank Opens Internship Programme for African citizens and African Diaspora

”full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study programmes in a recognised institution of learning in the year of the Internship are preferred”, other details relating to the internship include:
- Those aged between 20 and 32 being eligible to apply for the program;
- candidates whose field of study is in economics, business administration, finance, accounting, social sciences, statistics, law, sciences, engineering or related fields;
- A monthly tax-free stipend of $800 and housing allowance of $400 for interns relocating from their home countries.

Browse here for more information pertaining to the internship opportunity.

Open call: Pan-African Creative Exchange 2025 in South Africa

”Creatives are invited to submit applications for the 2025 edition of Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE) in South Africa. PACE 2025 will take place within the first two weeks of July 2025, with exact dates to be announced as soon as they become available.”

Application deadline: 9th September 2024

Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program | IIE - The Power of International Education

”Accredited African universities in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and member institutions of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and partner universities with the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) can submit a project request to host an African-born scholar currently living in the United States or Canada to work on projects in research collaboration, graduate student teaching/mentoring and curriculum co-development.”

Application deadline: 18th September 2024

Zimbabwean Woman Elected First African Mayor In UK Town

”A Zimbabwean-born woman, Mara Makunura, has been elected to lead the Rushmoor Borough Council in the United Kingdom, making history as the first female and first Black African Mayor of Rushmoor.”

Healthcare Federation of Nigeria officially launches the D3 Hub

“The D3 Hub is envisioned as a comprehensive solution that offers a ‘soft landing’ for professionals looking to return to Nigeria, whether permanently, temporarily, or digitally. The hub will also serve as a central location for HFN members to network, innovate, and collaborate on solutions to improve Nigeria’s healthcare landscape."

Africans in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ADICC) vows to “support” Nigerian youth running in local elections

”the Africans in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ADICC) has vowed to support any Nigerian youth between the ages of 25 and 45 years who has the capacity to run for either Local Government chairman or councillor position”

Member of the Nigerian Diaspora who once lived in the US running for governorship of Edo State

2023 Nigerian presidential candidate Patience Ndidi Key is now running for governor of Edo State for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in September 21, 2024 regional elections. She is a “healthcare practitioner, a former Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization for the United States, and currently runs the Nigerian Diaspora Chamber of Commerce. " Her key reason for running for the seat is because she sees “hunger and anger in the land.”

Recent events:

124th National Black Business Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, USA: 21st - 24th August 2024

”Alongside esteemed partners and co-founders of the National Alliance for Black Business—the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), the World Conference of Mayors (WCM) celebrating its 40th Anniversary, and over 50 national organizations—the NBL, NBCC, WCM, and NABB stand united.”

Basingstoke's Africa Day of Celebration, Basingstoke, England: 24th August 2024

”A first-of-its-kind event, brought the various diverse African communities, and supporters in Basingstoke to the one venue, where they enjoyed food, games and more. The occasion, according to the AUD movement, was held "to celebrate Africa, to celebrate Africans, and to chart a way forward to support African causes.”

Diaspora Africa Conference Ghana 2024, Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana: 30th August 2024 - 2nd September 2024

”the conference, themed "Building Resilient Connections: The Power of the African Diaspora," will assemble leaders in Business, Technology, and Real Estate.”

Ongoing and upcoming events:

Ethiopia at the Crossroads, Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio, USA: 17th August - 10th November 2024

”The Toledo Museum of Art presents Ethiopia at the Crossroads, an extraordinary exhibition celebrating the artistic traditions of Ethiopia from their origins to the present day.”

Afro-Cuban Music Workshops, The Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Lynn, Massachusetts, Boston, USA: 7th September 2024 and 19th October 2024

”The Saturday Afro-Cuban music workshops with Maestro Sandy Pérez will be continuing in the fall. He will hold intermediate and beginner workshops on September 7th and October 19th, at our usual location in Lynn.”

Industrial Investment Summit, Abeere, Osun State, Nigeria :11th - 14th September 2024

”The Osun State Investment Summit 2024 is packaged to showcase bankable opportunities and strategic matchmaking platforms, convening stakeholders to Osun Industrial ecosystem to facilitate partnerships and investments in the State.”

2024 East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium, Nairobi, Kenya: 27th September 2024

”This year, the Pan-African Council has partnered with Diamond Trust Bank (Kenya) for the 2024 East Africa Diaspora Investment Symposium, an interactive and dynamic action-oriented full-day event with the theme of “Empowering the African Diaspora to Accelerate Trade, Investment, and Economic Growth in East Africa”.”

UK-Zimbabwe Business Expo, Birmingham, England: 4th October 2024

"We anticipate drawing around 3 000 participants to the event, which will be held at the Bethnal Centre in Birmingham, a fitting venue that resonates with our vision, as it is also Zimbabwean-owned."

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Inspiring Stories:

Kenyan Woman Leads Cutting Edge Research in Australia

”Her research focuses on gas fermentation, a cutting-edge area of biotechnology with potential environmental applications. Galaiya's exceptional achievements have earned her recognition as one of the 50 finalists for the 2024 Chegg.org Global Student Prize, a prestigious award with a substantial monetary value.”

The Ghanaian researcher who came home

”launching Yemaachi Biotech, an immunogenomics research company, with guidance from a university mentor who shared his long-term vision. “We want to be the first of many, we want to clear the path for many more to come and stand on our shoulders,” Yaw says. His goal in starting the company was to do globally competitive work while training and retaining local talent. “

Other news:

Kenyan police officers in Haiti face delayed pay amid challenging security mission

"Hundreds of Kenyan police officers leading an international security mission in Haiti have not received their full pay for two months, adding to the challenges of an already difficult deployment in the gang-ridden Caribbean nation."

Raid in India Rescues 14 Kenyan Women from Prostitution Ring

"Indian authorities have successfully dismantled a prostitution ring in Hyderabad, India, rescuing 17 East African women, including 14 Kenyans."

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A Reddit post titled “Ghana's "year of return" 5 years later” was published earlier on this week and attracted over 60 comments, here is a snippet of the one most upvoted:
“It has increased publicity for the country and I reduced the ignorance surrounding Africa and Ghana. However, the downside is driving prices up such that the locals can’t afford certain services”.

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• Prof Guy Berger, Rhodes University (South Africa)

• Dennis Coffie, Content creator (Ghana)

• Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow (UK)

• Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes (Senegal)

• Lillian Kariuki, Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network (Kenya)

• Dr Akinola Olojo, Expert on preventing and countering violent extremism (Nigeria)

• Prof Medhane Tadesse, Policy academic on peace and security issues (Ethiopia)

• Berhan Taye, Independent Researcher (Ethiopia)

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WidaFest, Windsor, Ontario, Canada: 16th -18th August 2024
“This festival is a celebration of the vibrant cultures of Africa and African diaspora. WIDAFEST aims to foster a sense of unity and pride within the African diaspora community while also educating and engaging the broader Windsor community about African heritage and traditions.” 

2024 Afro Festival, Brno, Czech Republic: 17th August 2024
“Hundreds attended the 2024 Afro Festival in Brno on Saturday, where, under the shade of the tower of the Old Town Hall, a busy mix of city locals and visitors enjoyed a variety of music, traditional African food, and dance workshops.” 

Naijabrandchick Trade Fair, London, England: 17th - 18th August 2024
“The fair has so far attracted over 100 Nigerian vendors of different products who are gearing up to bring the best of African products straight from the motherland. The products range from African foods/dishes, African foodstuffs, African ready-to-wear outfits, African braids and hairs, and African skin and hair care products, etc. There will also be master-classes centred on business.”

Here’s a nice YouTube upload that shows some snippets of the event.

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A BIG WELCOME to all of you reading the inaugural edition of this new weekly newsletter. As a member of the global African Diaspora of Jamaican descent, I have always tried doing my best to keep tabs of what’s going on across this huge and diverse community, as it continues to grow and evolve. My weekly posts will keep you in the know about all of the significant Diaspora dealings as and when I come across them. If I hear about it, it’ll be posted and gathered here, nearly onto one page.

Diaspora finance and remittances news:

Data shows that the size of the Nigerian Diaspora clocks out at 17 million. The nation’s Diaspora is the largest of any across Africa, and is estimated to have sent $20 billion back home in remittances in 2023. In lieu of that, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment has set out ambitious plans to start up a $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund. At present, it is seeking “fund managers for the development and establishment of a multisectoral, multilateral private sector-led investment fund”.

Nigeria also issued new US-dollar denominated bonds earlier this week. The government is seeking to raise as much as $2 billion via the issuance, with purchasers restricted to those holding domestic accounts like ““domiciliary accounts, diaspora remittances and foreign investments,”. United Capital Plc is managing the issuance, with the bonds paying an annual rate of interest of 9.75 percent over a five year period in dollars. Such high and relatively safe returns could appeal to Diaspora investors living in countries returning much lower T-Bill rates.

Ghanaian Economist and consultant Dr Richmond Atuahene said that “Ghana earned $28.6 billion over a 10-year period as against Cocoa which gave us $18.7 billion,”. Figures from the World Bank suggest that the 10 year sum from 2024-2033 could nearly double to $50 billion.

In other news, UK based fintech provider Wiremit is providing a $10 bonus for Zimbabwean recipients of Diaspora remittances, simply “use the promo code SEND10 when sending money to Zimbabwe through their online platform,”.

Travel and immigration news:

Main Ghanaian presidential contender Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has promised to implement visa-free travel for all citizens of African and Caribbean countries if elected president. This pledge builds on the country’s Year of the Return campaign in 2019. Ghana has become a leading destination for the global African Diaspora since then, but not all Ghanaians are ecstatic about it.

A Reddit post titled “Ghana's "year of return" 5 years later” was published earlier on this week and attracted over 60 comments, here is a snippet of the one most upvoted:
“It has increased publicity for the country and reduced the ignorance surrounding Africa and Ghana. However, the downside is driving prices up such that the locals can’t afford certain services”.

Benin recently proposed legislation that would “grant Beninese citizenship to “any person who, according to their genealogy, has an African, sub-Saharan ancestor deported as part of the slave trade and the triangular trade.”. The legislation was passed by Parliament at the end of July and is awaiting approval by President Patrice Talon.

Looking across to East Africa, Kenya is launching a new tourism campaign titled “Ziara Kenya: One Diaspora, One Tourist”. The goal behind it is to encourage the Kenyan Diaspora to tap into their overseas networks and bring along new visitors to Kenya. As part of a broader push by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to attract 3 million tourists into Kenya by the end of 2024, the KTB will:

• launch an online e-learning program and certification to enhance skills in promoting Kenya.

• Hold webinars, virtual tours, and diaspora ambassadors will be utilized to champion the initiative globally.

• Engage in key diaspora events to boost the campaign's visibility.

On the other hand, appeals are being made to neighbouring nation Tanzania to allow dual citizenship beyond adulthood. As it now stands, just over half of Africa’s 54 countries fully accept the right to dual citizenship, while another 23 partially accept dual citizenship with restrictions. As the population of the global African Diaspora continues to grow, expect this matter to become more prominent across the continent.

Ethiopian bank “Wegagen Bank, in collaboration with Visa Inc., has launched its International Prepaid Visa Card service, allowing customers, embassy staff, and international organization employees to make global payments without carrying cash.”. Such an initiative will help in facilitating more investment and spending into the country from its considerable Diaspora and others overseas. Something Ethiopia is now eagerly seeking in response it recently floating its national currency and subsequently experiencing a double-digit depreciation.

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New African Diaspora appointments and initiatives:

TikTok heads creation of new Sub-Saharan African Safety Advisory Council. Appointed members include:

• Prof Guy Berger, Rhodes University (South Africa)

• Dennis Coffie, Content creator (Ghana)

• Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow (UK)

• Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes (Senegal)

• Lillian Kariuki, Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network (Kenya)

• Dr Akinola Olojo, Expert on preventing and countering violent extremism (Nigeria)

• Prof Medhane Tadesse, Policy academic on peace and security issues (Ethiopia)

• Berhan Taye, Independent Researcher (Ethiopia)

UK Nigerian Diaspora Benjamin Kuti appointed as brand ambassador for Nigerian company Equity Circle Realty Limited
“To leverage the diasporan market, the President of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby has been appointment as a brand ambassador for Equity Circle.”

Retired Systems Engineer of the US Institute of Engineering for the US Airforce, Prof. Adedeji Badiru visits NiDCOM, Abuja, Nigeria
NiDCOM (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission) CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa met with Prof. Adedeji Badiru to discuss how they can draw on experts on ICT within the global Nigerian Diaspora to assist with the capacity building and mentoring of local talent. Prof. Badiru has already played a prominent role here, donating technical textbooks to Nigerian institutes, along with connecting them to training opportunities and facilitating avenues for knowledge sharing.

Nigerian government creates Technical Working Committee focused on better utilizing Diaspora expertise
The Nigerian government has established the Technical Working Committee to leverage diaspora expertise in enhancing knowledge transfer to Nigerian students and health professionals through targeted initiatives such as courses, workshops, and seminars. With only 55,000 of Nigeria’s 85,000-90,000 doctors remaining in the country, and nearly 14,000 Nigerian nurses currently practicing in the UK, this effort is seen as a crucial step in tapping into global talents to improve health education and services in Nigeria.

Recent events:

WidaFest, Windsor, Ontario, Canada: 16th -18th August 2024
“This festival is a celebration of the vibrant cultures of Africa and African diaspora. WIDAFEST aims to foster a sense of unity and pride within the African diaspora community while also educating and engaging the broader Windsor community about African heritage and traditions.” 

2024 Afro Festival, Brno, Czech Republic: 17th August 2024
“Hundreds attended the 2024 Afro Festival in Brno on Saturday, where, under the shade of the tower of the Old Town Hall, a busy mix of city locals and visitors enjoyed a variety of music, traditional African food, and dance workshops.” 

Naijabrandchick Trade Fair, London, England: 17th - 18th August 2024
“The fair has so far attracted over 100 Nigerian vendors of different products who are gearing up to bring the best of African products straight from the motherland. The products range from African foods/dishes, African foodstuffs, African ready-to-wear outfits, African braids and hairs, and African skin and hair care products, etc. There will also be master-classes centred on business.”

Here’s a nice YouTube upload that shows some snippets of the event.

Ongoing and upcoming events:

When We See Us. A Century of Black Figuration in Painting, Kunstmuseum Basel, Basel, Switzerland: 25th May - 24th November 2024
“This multifaceted special exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart introduces viewers to figurative painting by Black artists from Africa and the African Diaspora dating from the 1920s through to the present.”

Benin Dues. Dealing with Looted Royal Treasures, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland: 24 August 2024 - 14 September 2025
“This exhibition, drawing on research from the Swiss Benin Initiative (BIS), has been developed with Nigerian experts from Benin City and diaspora groups in Zurich.”

Sounds of Africa, National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C, USA: August 24th, September 28th, October 26th and November 16th 2024
“We are celebrating 60 years of African Art in theDistrict with the National Museum of African Art. The Smithsonian is sponsoring a series of free concerts to share the Sounds of Africa, a tribute to the music of the African Diaspora.”

King Of T3MA, NYC, New York, USA: 24th August 2024
“Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the producer, director, and casting director. Meanwhile, special guests and key figures in the film industry are expected to join in the celebration of this cinematic achievement.”

Africa-Japan Youth Drive, Tokyo, Japan: 24th August 2024
“this themed event will highlight the role of youth as catalysts for transformative change. Building on a series of Future Design Approach workshops involving youth from both regions, the event will provide a platform for inter-generational dialogue.”

2024 Ghana Kente Festival, Houston, Texas, USA: 24th - 25th August 2024
“The event being organised by the Black Heritage LLC is an annual event that brings together the fashion industry to deliberate on moving forward Ghanaian local fashion in the Diaspora.”

Conference of the African Diaspora in the Americas, Bahia, Brazil: 29th - 31st August 2024
“Experts, researchers, relevant names in culture, social movement leaders and other representatives from the public and private sectors will be in the capital of Bahia to discuss Pan-Africanism, memory, restitution, reparation and reconstruction.”

Second Edition of the All-African Movements Assembly, Accra, Ghana: 29th - 31st August 2024
“The All-African Movements Assembly (AAMA) 2024, taking place from August 29th to 31st in Accra, Ghana, is a crucial gathering of African movements, activists, and human rights defenders.”

Dogon Restaurant opening, Washington D.C. USA: 9th September 2024
“Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi sits along the revitalized Southwest waterfront in Salamander Washington DC, and the acclaimed chef makes his highly anticipated return to the nation’s capital with a concept inspired by DC Surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe. Pronounced “Doh-gon,” the restaurant serves vibrant cuisine through an Afro-Caribbean lens and draws from Onwuachi’s unique Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole background.”

Re-INCARNATION, London, England: 18th -19th September 2024
“Re-INCARNATION tells the cycle of life marked by the urban vibrancy of the Nigerian city of Lagos. An ode to Nigerian culture, this dance, music, fashion and visual art performance showcases the depth of ancient Yoruba philosophy mixed with Nigerian youth culture.”

Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation's ART IS ALIVE festival, NYC, New York, USA: 21st September 2024
“Every year we present the richness of African and African Diasporic multi-disciplinary art forms including vibrant performances, engaging classes, and educational and insightful workshops,”

The Africa-America Institute 40th Annual Awards Gala, NYC, New York, USA: 24th September 2024
“This year’s gala, themed “Bridging Cultures & Igniting Futures: An Evening Honoring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture,” will feature a Presidential Fireside Chat with His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, and His Excellency Joseph Boakai, the President of Liberia.”

Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND) 2024, Algiers, Algeria: 16th - 19th October 2024
“CANEX WKND 2024 represents a pivotal moment for creative and cultural industries in Global Africa to showcase their talent and thrive. By bringing together diverse talents from across the continent and diaspora, we’re not just showcasing creativity; we’re not just showcasing creativity; we’re building a robust ecosystem that will propel African culture onto the global stage.”

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Other news:

Afrieximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) announced the release of its highly anticipated EP, titled ‘One Drum’. The musical creation will bring together members of the global African Diaspora from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, the USA, and Europe. Guest appearances include the likes of Lauryn Hill, Olodum, Flavour and Stephen Marley. Here’s a promotional trailer from CANEX’s Instagram.

The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee USA (NAPAC-USA), a group representing Diaspora interests within the United States, is pushing for eligible members within the US-Nigerian community to run for local, state and national seats in the country’s upcoming elections this fall. Figures from across the pond in the UK like Kemi Badenoch and Abigail Marshall Katung have already answered this call from the Diaspora, so let’s see how things fare over in America this November.

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Use this site to gather fresh insights and takeaways today about the Diaspora of Africa. My specific focus is on the business, economics and tech driving this international community to finally rekindle or reinforce their connections to the continent. Everything worthwhile that I find is published on here, including info about government policy, business dealings, tech start-ups, cultural and social events, and real eye-opening data.

The Diaspora of Africa publication is crafted as the ‘Wall Street Journal’ of African Diaspora-Africa relations.

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