Diaspora

October 19, 2012
As the map shows, there is a vast population  of the African Diaspora in Brazil and the Caribbean Islands. The recent invitation from the AU to Haiti, is timely and notable. Given the economic temperature in the USA and around the world, the notion of mobilizing willing persons from within the African Diaspora  to assist AU Nations via small business advisory boards would also be timely and quit notable! The question has always been, "how"? The framework for the "how" , was spelled out in the official declaration made during the May 25th Diaspora Summit which  included a commitment to a list of "Programs of Action". Here is the link to the entire May 25th Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit.


October 1, 2012

What are the roadblocks to the initiative for a viable program promoting knowledge transfer and skills mobilization as laid out in the Summit held earlier this year?
"Promote the utilization of African and Diaspora expertise on economic
development issues at regional and continental levels, and explore the
possibility of creating a Diaspora Advisory Board(s)."

Globally, economic challenges face every nation. Perhaps, this is the time to look towards micro-business and small business initiatives to allow the African Diaspora to participate at the community level and grow innovation and mentorship when it is needed most of all. The stronger the family and small business community, the stronger the community as a whole will be. And we must be aware and inclusive of the young adult and senior populations. Our future and our most valued assets. 
June 2, 2012

On May 25th, the Global African Diaspora Summit was held. The Summit began with welcome remarks by the Host, President Jacob Zuma. In his opening Statement, President Zuma expressed the gratitude of his Government and the people of South Africa to Heads of States and Governments representing  54 Member States of the Union, the Caribbean Community, South and Latin America. He acknowledged the vision and commitment of the first generation of African leaders and their vision to see Africa take its rightful place, with respect and dignity in global affairs.

The official declaration made during the Summit included a commitment to a list of Programs of Action. The complete document can be read at the following link:
Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit.

Here is a brief list of some of the areas of focus:

Intergovernmental Cooperation
"Encourage and support the development of an African Union Diaspora
Volunteer programme as a framework for associating the Diaspora directly
with the development of the continent."

"Encourage the Diaspora to organize themselves in regional networks and
establish appropriate mechanisms that will enable their increasing
participation in the affairs of the African Union as observers and eventually, in
the future, as a sixth region of the continent that would contribute substantially
to the implementation of policies and programmes."

"Support efforts by the AU to accelerate the process of issuing the African
Union passport, in order to facilitate the development of a transnational and
transcontinental identity."

Mobilization of Support
"Encourage the full implementation of United Nations General Assembly
resolutions on the Permanent Memorial to and remembrance of the victims of
slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, express appreciation for
contributions made to the Trust Fund in this regard and urge other countries
to contribute to the Fund."

"Encourage Africans in the Diaspora to campaign against the proliferation of
small arms and light weapons in Africa especially in countries where they are
domiciled and in those that are arms producers."

Knowledge Transfer and Skills Mobilization
"Promote the utilization of African and Diaspora expertise on economic
development issues at regional and continental levels, and explore the
possibility of creating a Diaspora Advisory Board(s)."

"Promote the establishment of a comprehensive and all-inclusive database
that will match the expertise of African professionals in Africa and its
Diaspora to African developmental needs."

Here is the link to the entire May 25th Declaration of the Global African Diaspora Summit

May 24, 2012

A Ministerial Meeting of the Global African Diaspora was held yesterday in Pretoria, South Africa, as part of a series of activities building up to the Global African Diaspora Summit, which takes place on tomorrow on Africa Day, May 25th, 2012. In a written statement following the meeting yesterday, the African Union Commission pronounced,  "We are mindful of the fact that unifying Africa’s people is a process; and we are of the view that this Summit marks a significant milestone in this process of unifying Africa and her Diaspora." Tomorrow marks Africa Day.  Lets look to the adoption of "Legacy Projects" during the summit, to mark the beginning of a new era of prosperity for Africa and her Diaspora.

May 23, 2012

A public document prepared by the African Union, in advance of the May 25th, Global African Diaspora Summit, reads that  . . . "The African Union recognizes the fact that the African Diaspora, found in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and various parts of the world are an integral part of the continent. The Diaspora are part and parcel of the African continent."  The declaration proceeds the positive intent to attract members of the Diaspora that are "willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union.” There is much work to be done. It is estimated that the African continent will require about US$60 billion over the next 10 years to meet its infrastructure needs. Nevertheless,  tangible initiatives  are being proposed within the AU, such as the Skills Database, African Diaspora Volunteer Corps, African Diaspora Investment Fund and business networks to link Africa with the Diaspora. What we see is a new culture of cooperation forming that will  "foster a more conducive business environment within the continent which will stimulate interest among its Diaspora." These are all positive steps towards building a more prosperous African economy. A direction that will attract the talent pool of the African Diaspora just as  intended. So we look to the upcoming events this week for more initiatives birthed from unity, purpose and vision.