Why talk about african diaspora connecting to Africa make some people feel uncomfortable? Honestly speaking, it should not. It should be an opportunity for dialogue toward reconciliation and healing.
I recently had the privilege of being invited to a PODCAST, AFRICA CHAT https://youtu.be/2tmcdu_2dEk, hosted by Gideon Obeng. During the conversation, he asked me about my perspective on Africans in the diaspora connecting back to Africa. This was a good topic I was happy to discuss. However, I hope I won't get a backlash like Burna Boy burna boy - Bing images because we are both coming from a good place trying reconciliation and attempting to connect with our people in the diaspora.
Earlier this year, Burna Boy responded to the pushback after his comment about African and African Americans in the diaspora coming back to Africa made some people feel uncomfortable Burna Boy Clears Up Remarks Regarding Africa And African-Americans – VIBE.com, Burna Boy Speaks Out After Viral Comments On Black Americans Returning To Africa Causes Discourse (yahoo.com). Responding to the pushback, Burna Boy said, "I never said you are African and not Americans." "All I've ever tried to do is make you understand that you have Africa too that loves you, and I believe coming together as brothers and sisters is the only way forward for US black people worldwide. You work against the progress of our people worldwide if your goal is to keep us divided." Please check out his complete statements in the link above. In 2023, it is high time that all our brothers and sisters in the diaspora connect instead of staying divided and conquered.
The claim that "he skipped the whole history of African involvement in the slave trade and what that has meant for us. You can't have a conversation with us without addressing that" is legitimate skepticism and anger. There is a right to those feelings. However, there should be a conversation to discuss the role some of our leaders played in these terrible and horrific events. In addition, there must be an effort for forgiveness and reconciliation for future posterity. There must be healing and reconnecting the sons and daughters of the land to their rightful heritage.
Moreover, there are opportunities and benefits for connecting our people. For example, many potential economic benefits can arise from Africans in the diaspora connecting with Africans on the continent. The economic benefits of the African diaspora connecting with Africa are significant and can be measured in several ways. Here are some examples:
Trade: Africans in the diaspora can facilitate trade between their countries of residence and African countries, helping to create new business opportunities and expand markets.
Knowledge transfer: Africans in the diaspora could valuable skills, knowledge, and networks back to Africa, which can help to drive economic growth and development and is an option for many Africans in the diaspora. For example, Africans in the diaspora have skills, knowledge, and expertise that can be useful in Africa. Many African diaspora members work in the technology, finance, and healthcare sectors, which are critical for economic growth. By connecting with Africans on the continent, they can share their knowledge and experience, contributing to developing local industries and businesses. Moreover, Suppose others don't recognize and appreciate your skills and talents, at the least. In that case, Africa is where you will be valued. Africans in the diaspora must strongly consider the prospect of getting admitted, respected, and paid for their expertise, setting up a business, and making an investment.
Networking: Africans in the diaspora can help to connect African businesses and entrepreneurs with potential partners and investors in their countries of residence. This can facilitate new business opportunities and promote economic growth.
Investment: African diaspora could increase investment in businesses and startups in Africa. According to the African Development Bank, the African diaspora invested $3.3 billion in the continent in 2018. Africans in the diaspora can invest in businesses and projects in Africa, creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. In addition, Africans in the diaspora could have access to capital and expertise to help local entrepreneurs and businesses succeed.
Tourism: African diaspora members can also increasingly visit and invest in African tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, African tourism grew by 5.6% in 2019, with many African diaspora members traveling to the continent.
Remittances: Many Africans in the diaspora send money back home to their families and communities in Africa. According to the World Bank, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa reached $48 billion in 2019, making it the largest remittance-receiving region in the world. These remittances help to support local economies and improve the standard of living for many people.
In conclusion, the economic benefits of the African diaspora connecting with Africa are significant. We (together-Africans in diaspora) can help spur new opportunities for growth and development, drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty on the continent, in Americas, the Caribbean, and worldwide.
However, this is a difficult conversation that is taking place and must be taking place, and we must start and continue this dialogue somewhere and somehow.
Raise the roof!
Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.
Think STEM Careers! You Have the Opportunity to Create the Future and the Privilege of Deciding What’s in it! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD
Excel in Learning. Excel in Life.
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