The 9th annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS24) recently took place in San Jose, California, bringing together global investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to address critical issues facing Africa, with a particular focus on climate change. The theme of this year’s symposium, “Activate With Africa: Climate Change, Connections, And Action,” highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement in shaping Africa’s future.
The event featured discussions on President Biden’s Africa Diaspora Advisory Council, African innovation, impact investments, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and Africa-led climate solutions. Speakers emphasized the need to transition from reactive humanitarian assistance to proactive investment in long-term development initiatives. The symposium showcased the benefits of collaboration between the diaspora and stakeholders across the continent, with a focus on fostering economic partnerships and building climate resilience.
Keynote speakers at ADIS24 included Santa Clara County Supervisor Suzan Ellenberg, Almaz Negash, Founder of the African Diaspora Network (ADN), and Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director of President Biden’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement (PAC-ADE). Discussions also highlighted the role of initiatives like Prosper Africa in catalyzing economic partnerships between the United States and Africa.
The symposium concluded with a sense of optimism and determination, with participants networking and connecting to translate dialogue into action. The event served as a platform for fostering collaboration, generating innovative solutions, and mobilizing resources to address Africa’s most pressing challenges. The recognition of Africa’s immense potential, coupled with concrete initiatives to leverage diaspora engagement, creates a promising pathway toward a prosperous and resilient future for the continent.
Evelyn Dan Epelle and Remmy Bahati, both experienced journalists, played key roles in covering ADIS24 and facilitating media engagement at the event. Their contributions helped amplify the voices of African and African Diaspora journalists, showcasing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the narrative around diaspora engagement and economic development in Africa.
