African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2024 to be held in March
The ninth annual global convening that celebrates and champions the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans, African Diasporans, and friends of Africa will be held between March 20 and 22 in Silicon Valley, USA.
Hosted by the African Diaspora Network (ADN), the symposium inspires and equips participants to be agents of change and active contributors to development of Africa and the communities in which the diaspora lives.
The conference activates the potential of collaboration, drawing participants from 89 different countries over the last eight years.
“African Diaspora Network invites you to our signature event, the premier convening of the African investment ecosystem in Silicon Valley,” says ADN on its official website.
“Join us as we celebrate nine years of fostering the ingenuity of the African community at home and abroad alongside champions from around the world,” the organisation adds.
This year’s theme is “Activate With Africa: Climate Change, Connections, And Action”.
ADN is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide linkage and engage the African diaspora. This is done through an ethic of care, enhancing their well-being in their adopted homelands, and facilitating their strategic involvement in the development of Africa.
Since 2010, ADN has energized collaboration among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and African diasporans to uplift Africa and the communities.
The organisation has explained that Africa is a diverse continent with over 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 by 2050 (The World Bank).
“As the world’s youngest continent, all eyes are looking toward Africa as the next frontier for growth and development. The region has abundant human and natural resources that can promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty,” says ADN.
Africa also has the world’s largest free trade zone, The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and a market of 1.2 billion people, thereby allowing it to carve out a unique development path by leveraging its resources and people, including those in the diaspora as well as friends of Africa.
ADN has noted that Africa is making remarkable strides on so many fronts, including governance, healthcare, education, and fintech, calling for maintenance of that momentum.
“Taking bold steps to tackle climate change is crucial in building a sustainable, thriving future for everyone,” states ADN.
Despite contributing only two to three percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the network adds, Africa is the world’s most vulnerable region to the effects of climate change.
“The continent is experiencing extreme weather conditions like droughts and floods, making it challenging to grow crops, access clean water, and maintain good health. This situation is particularly dire for those who depend on agriculture for survival,” states ADN.
“If urgent measures are not taken to address climate change, many communities across Africa will face a bleak future, hindering Africa’s efforts to position itself as a world leader and forge a prosperous, unified, and peaceful continent,” it adds.
