The Diaspora African Forum (DAF), the embassy for the African Diaspora and the High Commission of African Diasporas in France have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at deepening diaspora engagement and accelerating development initiatives across Africa.
The collaboration brings together the Diaspora Embassy of the Diaspora African Forum and the France-based federation to coordinate and strengthen the role of African diasporas in contributing to their countries of origin.
The partnership will focus on federating diaspora associations and supporting projects in key sectors such as education, health, and agriculture.
The High Commission of African Diasporas in France, led by its president, Mrs. Rachida Kaaout, represents a federation of approximately 1,800 diasporic associations.
The organization works to support Africans living in France while promoting sustainable development efforts in Africa.
According to Mrs. Kaaout, the commission is preparing to launch a global initiative to establish similar diaspora commissions in countries around the world.
The broader vision is to create structured platforms that empower African diasporas to contribute meaningfully to their communities both abroad and at home.
She noted that many Africans in the diaspora are willing and eager to support development on the continent but often lack clear direction and coordinated frameworks to channel their resources and expertise.
The commission, she explained, seeks to bridge that gap by providing guidance, networking opportunities, and investment pathways.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
Speaking on behalf of the Diaspora Embassy of DAF, the embassy for the African Diaspora, Ambassador Erica Bennett described the partnership as a milestone for her organization.
She emphasized that it marks the first formal collaboration of its kind undertaken by the Diaspora Embassy.
Ambassador Bennett expressed confidence that the alliance would not only strengthen institutional ties between France-based African diasporas and continental initiatives, but also serve as a model for other countries seeking to formalize diaspora engagement.
Symbolic Visit to Sankofa Wall
“Following the official engagement, representatives from both institutions visited the Sankofa Wall at the DAF Embassy for a memorial observance.
The visit symbolized a shared commitment to reconnecting the African diaspora with its roots and advancing collective development efforts.
The partnership signals a renewed push to harness the skills, investments, and networks of Africans abroad as a structured force for sustainable growth across the continent,” she concluded.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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