In April, 27 - 28
Nigeria is set to host Africans in Diaspora to effectively harness the human and economic potentials of its diaspora for continental and national development.
With the theme “Building Stronger Connections between Africa and the Global Diaspora”, the 2nd Global African Diaspora symposium is scheduled to hold in April 27 and 28, 2023, in Abuja.
The Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke at a joint world press conference on Wednesday said, the Symposium is designed to address and proffer workable solutions to Africa’s most pressing issues.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, it would offer concrete strategies as well as necessary partnerships between key Diaspora leaders in business and the professions with leaders on the African continent to achieve successful results.
She said, “The United Nations 2022 statistics on Africa puts the continent’s population at 1,408,261,290 in the third quarter of the year. This is about 16.7 percent of the world’s population, making it the second largest continent of the world.
“The African Diaspora in all fields have proven internationally that Africans are a talented, vibrant and competent people. In various sectors or fields of endeavours, there always will be a name or two mentioned that is an African, or of African origin.
“This is why the onus lies on us Africans- home and the diaspora to rewrite the narrative for a progressive Africa.
“It is hoped that moving on, the Pan-African spirit will be felt amongst all Africans. There will be more tailor-made and pragmatic solutions to Africa’s political and socio-economic challenges.
“Again, with the event comes a retelling of Africa to project the good news of our land and people.”
Also, the Director General, Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa, Amb. Rabiu Dagari noted that “What we are trying to do is to continue from where the FESTAC ’77, stopped. FESTAC was built by Nigerian government to celebrate African culture across the world.
“However, we are happy about this event as it would bring together and network all Africans across the world.”
The two-day event is a geared at bringing over 3,000 individuals of African descent, worldwide to have constructive dialogue for better socio-economic opportunities and favourable policies for Africa, especially by key actors in the Diaspora.
The Symposium will focus on key areas in science and technology, agriculture, manufacturing & industry, energy, infrastructure development, tourism and culture, green energy & technology, health, Information Communication Technology, education, finance, and economic development.
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