Amafibe, Jidda Seek Deeper African Diaspora Alliance for Economic Growth

African diaspora engagement took centre stage in New York as Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe met with Nigeria’s Ambassador and Consul General, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, to chart a stronger partnership framework aimed at advancing Africa’s economic and diplomatic interests.

The high-level engagement brought together key representatives of African diplomatic missions and diaspora-focused organisations, with discussions centred on aligning leadership efforts, strengthening institutional cooperation, and mobilising Africans abroad as active drivers of continental development.

Both leaders underscored the growing influence of the African diaspora in global finance, innovation, and policy advocacy, noting that structured collaboration could unlock investment flows, expand trade opportunities, and enhance Africa’s standing in international affairs.

Ambassador Jidda reiterated the commitment of African diplomatic missions in the United States to work with credible stakeholders to promote shared development goals. He stressed that unity, strategic coordination, and effective representation remain essential to positioning Africa as a cohesive force on the global stage.

Amafibe, who leads several peace and advocacy initiatives across the continent and the diaspora, described the meeting as a practical step toward deepening trust and cooperation between African institutions and diaspora leaders. He noted that sustained engagement would encourage greater diaspora participation in governance, development projects, and bilateral relations.

The discussions also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in trade, innovation, and cultural exchange, with both sides agreeing that a unified diaspora strategy could amplify Africa’s global voice and long-term economic prospects.

The engagement forms part of broader preparations for upcoming diaspora-focused events in New York and the General Assembly scheduled for later in the year in Marrakech, Morocco, which aim to consolidate partnerships around good governance, investment, and inclusive growth across Africa.