The African Diaspora Directorate is a pivotal entity dedicated to bridging the gap between the African continent and its global diaspora. As a key component of the African Union (AU), the Directorate serves as a conduit for engagement, cooperation, and development, ensuring that the voices and contributions of the African Diaspora are integrated into the broader framework of the AU’s objectives.
Mission and Objectives
The African Diaspora Directorate’s mission is to harness the collective talents, resources, and energy of people of African descent living outside the continent to support the development and growth of Africa. By fostering a global network of African descendants, the Directorate aims to create sustainable partnerships that contribute to peace, security, democracy, and economic development across Africa.
Key Initiatives
1. Civil Society Engagement
The Directorate collaborates closely with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to promote the African Union’s engagement with non-state actors. This includes the establishment of bureaus focused on civil society, diaspora, and trade, all working together to advocate for and empower African descendants globally.
2. Diaspora Integration
The Directorate plays a crucial role in integrating the African Diaspora into the activities and objectives of the African Union. This is achieved by organizing and coordinating efforts across various geographic and tribal levels, ensuring that the diaspora’s contributions are recognized and utilized effectively.
3. Economic Empowerment
Through the creation of business support infrastructures and trade bureaus, the Directorate seeks to connect and empower African-owned businesses in the diaspora. The goal is to build the world’s largest business organization for black business owners, advocating for policies that create jobs and foster economic growth within the $6 trillion African Diaspora economy.
4. Cultural and Social Preservation
The Directorate is committed to preserving and celebrating the shared heritage between Africa and its global diaspora. This involves organizing events, creating educational programs, and supporting cultural initiatives that strengthen the bond between Africa and its descendants worldwide.
Impact and Reach
The African Diaspora Directorate’s work extends across multiple continents, including North and South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific regions. It operates through a network of regional councils and working groups, all focused on achieving the broader goals of the African Union. By fostering these connections, the Directorate helps to build a united and strong Africa that benefits from the contributions of its global diaspora.
Get Involved
The African Diaspora Directorate welcomes the participation of individuals, organizations, and governments interested in supporting the development of Africa through the collective efforts of the African Diaspora. Whether through economic initiatives, cultural programs, or civil society engagement, there are numerous ways to contribute to this important mission.