Dabiri-Erewa Urges African Diaspora to Drive Innovation and Investment Back Home

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Africans living abroad to play a leading role in accelerating the continent's development by leveraging their expertise, investments and global networks.

Speaking at the 2026 Black Engineering Week in San Jose, California, Dabiri-Erewa described Africans in the diaspora as a vital link between Africa and the rest of the world. She encouraged professionals abroad to contribute their skills, resources and influence toward advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth across the continent.

Rejecting the traditional narrative of "brain drain," she argued that African professionals overseas represent "brain gain" and "brain circulation," stressing that their global achievements can also translate into meaningful development opportunities for Africa.

The NiDCOM boss highlighted talent, investment and global credibility as key areas where the diaspora continues to make an impact. She disclosed that the commission is collaborating with state governments and diaspora partners to verify Nigerian talent, expand remote work opportunities and connect skilled professionals with international employers.

Dabiri-Erewa also urged Nigerians abroad to channel more remittances into productive investments capable of supporting industrialisation, technology startups, climate innovation and entrepreneurship. She noted that strategic investment from the diaspora could significantly boost Africa's economic transformation.

She further encouraged diaspora professionals to mentor young innovators, create employment opportunities and support emerging businesses, while calling on African governments to remove bureaucratic barriers that discourage diaspora participation and investment.

The event, which featured startup showcases, panel discussions and innovation competitions, also promoted stronger collaboration between Silicon Valley institutions and African universities through research partnerships, fellowships and internship programmes.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dabiri-Erewa held talks with officials from Santa Clara County, who expressed interest in partnering with Nigerian cities, particularly in the healthcare sector, to strengthen cooperation between both regions.