Africa: Defining the Diaspora’s Role and Potential With Africa
January 13, 2012 | Filed under: Diaspora | Posted by: admin
Africa: Defining the Diasporas Role and Potential With Africa

By Semhar Araia

Beyond the broad categorizations of the African diaspora and
rhetorical questions posed by Dele Fatunla in his blog post, “What’s
Diaspora Got To Do With It?“, he raises an important and timely
question about what role the African diaspora plays and should play in
supporting Africa’s growth.

Fatunla correctly lists remittances, tourism and brain drain as areas
where diaspora have proven to have a critical impact in Africa, albeit
sporadic at times. These are the most recognizable ways in which
diaspora relate with Africa. They are not comparable to the experience
of day-to-day living in Africa, but as a member of the diaspora that
once relocated to my ancestral homeland of Eritrea for two years and
currently spends half my time on the continent, I know there are
additional ways Africans abroad are making an impact in Africa.

Before we explore those examples, it’s worth noting that Fatunla fails
to define who exactly the diaspora is within the context of his
analysis. It is overly simplistic and dangerous to suggest they are “a
group of people who by and large fled the continent when it was most
in need, and returned when it least needs them”. The diaspora must be
disaggregated into its many parts and identify what contributions they
actually are providing.

To begin, the “African diaspora” is not monolithic. We are a diverse,
multifaceted & multigenerational demographic spanning every continent
and socioeconomic status. There are exhaustive studies by the World
Bank, Migration Policy Institute, DFID and countless NGOs exploring
this definition. Many diaspora left home or were raised abroad for a
variety of reasons, including war, conflict, insecurity or the lack of
economic opportunity. Yet we remain connected with our homelands.
Others grew up abroad and maintained a relationship with the continent
by any means, either through regular visits, community language school
or establishing transnational business ties. Even more significant
however are the emerging diaspora youth leaders raised abroad and
seeking to forge deeper relationships with their homelands, as will be
revealed later in this piece.

The other shortcoming with What’s Diaspora Got to Do With It is that
it falls completely short on recognizing the diaspora’s added value –
which is far beyond economic remittances and sporadic tourism. Even
though remittances continue to be the largest form of diaspora
contributions, amounting to roughly $40 billion a year to support
livelihoods and development, it is not the only form of significant
deliverables from diaspora.

The last decade’s sudden explosion of technology, social media and new
models for change has resulted in more contributions from the
diaspora, particularly around long term development and advocacy. Here
are just a few examples:

1. Promoting development: Through innovation, broad based networks,
and tried and true outreach, diaspora are taking their love for Africa
and applying it with ingenuity for good. Diaspora entrepreneurs and
organizations are widening spaces in the continent for African-led
development and growth. Initiatives such as Villages in Action, Shea
Yeleen, Sierra Visions, Face Africa, and Akili Dada are just a few of
the successful diaspora efforts launched in Africa with local
communities. With each example, these organizations were founded by
diaspora who arrived to the States at a young age, or were educated
abroad, or were raised entirely abroad. The new face of diaspora and
development is continuing to change.

2. Support for humanitarian emergencies: When disaster strikes,
Africa’s greatest resource has consistently proven to be its people.
Diaspora groups are a crucial lifeline to access those in need, by
sending messages and delivering help. The current drought ravaging
East Africa spurred Africans on the continent and abroad into action.
Within weeks, Kenyans, South Africans, Nigerians, the broader Horn of
Africa diaspora and more helped to raise millions of dollars for
relief. Somalia’s famine motivated Somalis abroad to relocate and help
people most in need. Efforts such as the Global Somali Response is one
of many incredible examples of partnership and support. Again, another
organization founded by a next generation diaspora leader.

3. Building bridges between Africans & non-Africans: Africa is not
bound by its borders. As Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade
calls it, Africa is the “Bright Continent”. Its people are a rich
source of energy, life and innovation. They are the bridges between
countries and continents. By celebrating our rich cultural heritage,
diversity and histories, relationships are forged with foreigners,
including those unable to visit the continent themselves. Photos and
stories are shared in the halls of the diaspora community center.
Myths are dispelled. Messages are conveyed. And stereotypes are
broken.

4. Adding new layers to the African narrative: Stories of Africa’s
development and its needs must be told by those on the continent
first, but diaspora do help facilitate those stories. They add a
deeper layer to Africa’s story and are an asset. As diaspora groups
grow in presence and participation, so too will these narratives. In
addition to storytelling, diaspora owned businesses, faith based
groups, community organizations, youth associations, and private
enterprises are eager to carry Africa’s message to newcomers and
supporters alike.

5. Helping to shape Western & regional foreign policy agendas and
offering models of civic participation: New advocacy groups, civic
associations and diaspora networks have also flourished in the West,
particularly around conflict resolution, networking and economic trade
with the continent. Assuming diaspora apply effective advocacy
strategies, they can help shape foreign policy priorities and shift
analyses for Africa’s betterment. Governments, organizations and
decisionmakers recognize this power and potential of the African
diaspora. They understand that beyond their wallets, diaspora are
legitimate stakeholders in Africa’s future. The African Union has
already declared the African diaspora as the Sixth Region of the AU.
The United States, United Kingdom, and various African countries have
also created initiatives and opportunities to engage with diaspora
directly.

I agree with Fatunla’s premise that more investment must be made in
Africa’s leaders on the continent to create the next generation of
Adichies, Okollahs, Iewalas, and yes The Elders.

But having worked for and traveled with The Elders myself, and having
had the chance to learn from African leaders in the diaspora, I can
personally attest to the power and notion of Ubuntu: I am because you
are. It is clear that diaspora have quite a lot to do with Africa
because Africa has quite a lot to do with the diaspora.

Semhar Araia is founder & executive director of DAWN, the Diaspora
African Women’s Network.

-- 
-Laye
==============================
"With fair speech thou might have thy will,
With it thou might thy self spoil."
--The R.M

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