The African Diaspora spans an impressive 200 million people who maintain strong connections to their ancestral continent. A most important milestone in continental unity emerged when the African Union recognized this diaspora as the “6th Region of Africa” in May 2012. This strategic decision has yielded promising results, and 41 African countries have established formal diaspora programs. Kenya’s diaspora bonds demonstrate this success through raising $2.6 billion in 2014 and another $2 billion in 2018. The continent now sees migration as a chance for development and growth rather than a challenge.
Origins of Africa’s Sixth Region
The African Union emerged from the Organization of African Unity, marking a new era for continental unity. Leaders launched this initiative at the Durban Summit in South Africa on July 9, 2002. This momentous gathering changed Africa’s regional structure.
The 2002 Durban Summit
The Summit brought a radical alteration to Africa’s approach toward continental cooperation. African leaders agreed to move beyond the OAU’s focus on decolonization and apartheid. They wanted stronger cooperation and economic development. The gathering also became the foundation for including the diaspora in continental affairs.
Key architects behind the vision
Dr. Erieka Bennett’s meaningful discussion with Ghana’s President John Agyekum Kufuor during the Summit sparked the concept of diaspora integration. Dr. Bennett asked about diaspora’s role in Africa’s development. President Kufuor responded by recommending diaspora inclusion in continental affairs. President Abdoulaye Wade supported this vision and declared to the General Assembly that the diaspora should become Africa’s sixth region.
Official recognition by African Union
Several milestone decisions paved the way to official recognition. The Executive Council recommended in January 2008 that the African diaspora should become Africa’s sixth region. The formal recognition happened at the Global African Diaspora Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, on May 25, 2012. The AU created a clear definition of the African diaspora: “peoples of native or partial African origin living outside the continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality, who are willing to contribute to the development of the continent and the building of the African Union”.
How the Sixth Region Works
The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) plays a vital role in the Sixth Region’s operational framework. It connects the African Union with its global diaspora community. CIDO’s specialized Diaspora Division handles significant responsibilities from policy coordination to technical support for diaspora organizations worldwide.
Structure and organization
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) serves as the civil society backbone of the Sixth Region with 150 civil society organizations. Twenty seats are reserved for diaspora organizations from different continents. Gender balance remains a priority with 50% women representatives required. Youth representation between ages 18 to 35 is also mandatory.
Membership criteria
Organizations must meet specific requirements to join the Sixth Region’s institutional framework:
- Show a minimum three-year registration history as an African or African Diaspora civil society organization
- Keep at least 50% African or African Diaspora ownership and management
- Submit annual independent audit statements
- Create 50% of resources from member contributions
- Demonstrate activities in at least three African Union member states for regional and continental organizations
The African Union currently develops a complete legal framework to govern diaspora organization elections into the ECOSOCC General Assembly. This framework will define diaspora organizations and specify eligibility requirements for ECOSOCC membership. The document undergoes validation before its submission to the AU Assembly for final approval.
Economic Impact of Diaspora Engagement
The African diaspora’s financial contributions are the life-blood of continental development. About 160 million Africans living abroad substantially affect the continent’s economic growth.
Remittance flows to Africa
Personal remittances to Africa reached GHS 1302.54 billion in 2019, which was almost double the foreign direct investment flows of GHS 724.51 billion. Smaller economies show higher dependence on these transfers. South Sudan (35% of GDP), Lesotho (21% of GDP), and The Gambia (15% of GDP) are the top recipients. Ghana’s remittance share of GDP grew from 1% to 7.5% between 2004 and 2017.
Investment initiatives
The African Development Bank and its partners have launched several strategic programs to channel diaspora investments. The African Diaspora Investment Fund (ADIF) focuses on three core financial products:
- Diaspora bonds management
- Diaspora mutual funds oversight
- Diaspora endowment trust fund administration
Business partnerships
The African Union has created innovative programs through Public Private Partnership collaborations. These partnerships have sparked substantial development initiatives at regional and continental levels. The African Development Bank, African Union Commission, and International Organization for Migration signed an agreement for GHS 81.90 million in grant financing that targets eight African countries.
The diaspora’s economic influence goes beyond monetary contributions. Their expertise and networks are a great way to get support for reviving domestic private sectors and supporting socio-economic development. These remittances become a vital safety net during crisis periods and protect vulnerable communities when governments face limitations.
Success Stories from Different Countries
African nations have created successful programs that build stronger connections with their diaspora communities. These programs show how the AU’s sixth region concept works through real policies and initiatives.
Ghana’s dual citizenship program
Ghana’s groundbreaking way to reach out to its diaspora has been a soaring win. The country gave citizenship to 524 diaspora members, mostly Black Americans in November 2019. The program continued to thrive when 35 African Diasporans became citizens at the historic WEB DuBois compound in 2017. Another 126 followed in 2019. People who join the program get several benefits:
- The right to get passports from both countries
- Easier procedures for long homeland visits
- Better job opportunities
- Property ownership and inheritance rights
- The power to pass nationality rights to their children
Nigeria’s diaspora commission
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has become the life-blood of diaspora connections. The 2019-founded commission has handled over 1,000 petitions that range from emergencies to trafficking issues. NiDCOM works under the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinates diaspora contributions while preserving expertise for Nigeria’s growth.
Kenya’s diaspora bonds
Kenya has shown impressive financial creativity with its diaspora. The country raised GHS 3150.04m to GHS 7875.10m through its first diaspora bond. Kenya had already secured $2.6 billion in 2014 and $2 billion in 2018 through bond issuances. All the same, Kenya’s biggest breakthrough came with M-Akiba, the world’s first mobile-based bond. The initiative drew over 300,000 registrations and grew to 450,000 during its re-launch.
The African Union made a groundbreaking decision to recognize its diaspora as the sixth region, which revolutionized continental development. African countries have built strong bonds with their global diaspora communities through well-laid-out programs and initiatives. Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya showcase the real benefits of these strategies to involve their communities.
Money flows from the diaspora reached GHS 1302.54 billion in 2019, showing their economic power. Innovative financial tools like diaspora bonds keep attracting major investments. Kenya’s success stands out as it raised billions through targeted financial programs for its diaspora.
These results prove how diaspora communities accelerate Africa’s growth story. The sixth region concept may be new, but it has delivered clear benefits in economic, social, and cultural areas. The deepening of these continental connections opens up new possibilities for shared development between Africa and its worldwide diaspora community.