Nigeria is set to host Africans in the diaspora to effectively harness their human and economic potential for continental and national development. The second Global African Diaspora Symposium, themed “Building Stronger Connections between Africa and the Global Diaspora,” will take place on April 27‑28, 2023, in Abuja.
Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, said at a joint world press conference that the symposium is designed to address Africa’s most pressing issues and propose workable solutions. She emphasized that it will offer concrete strategies and foster partnerships between key diaspora leaders in business and the professions and leaders on the African continent, aiming for successful outcomes. Dabiri‑Erewa cited United Nations 2022 statistics, noting that Africa’s population of 1,408,261,290—about 16.7 % of the world’s total—makes it the second‑largest continent. She highlighted the diaspora’s proven talent and competence across various fields and called on Africans at home and abroad to rewrite the narrative for a progressive Africa. She expressed hope that the Pan‑African spirit will inspire more tailored, pragmatic solutions to the continent’s political and socio‑economic challenges and that the event will retell Africa’s story, projecting the good news of its people and land.
Ambassador Rabiu Dagari, Director General of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, added that the symposium seeks to continue the legacy of FESTAC ’77, a Nigerian‑government initiative that celebrated African culture worldwide. He welcomed the event as an opportunity to bring together and network Africans across the globe.
The two‑day symposium aims to gather over 3,000 individuals of African descent from around the world for constructive dialogue on better socio‑economic opportunities and favorable policies for Africa, particularly through the involvement of key diaspora actors. Sessions will focus on science and technology, agriculture, manufacturing and industry, energy, infrastructure development, tourism and culture, green energy and technology, health, information and communication technology, education, finance, and economic development.
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