The African Diaspora’s Return: Success Stories and Impact on Progress

Many people from Africa now live in other parts of the world, with about 160 million of them spread across the globe. Wherever they go, they bring a piece of Africa with them.

And when they return home, they are always received with a warm welcome, for there’s truly no place like home. In this blog post, I will share with you the inspiring stories of the African Diaspora’s Return.

We’ll explore their success stories, the impact they’ve made on progress, and some of the challenges they face when coming back home. So, walk with me as I enlighten you on this remarkable journey.

The Return Movement

Many Africans who moved away are now coming back home. It’s like they went on a long trip and are finally returning. But why are they coming back? Here are some reasons:

Safety and Peace of Mind

One of the primary reasons people want to return is the pursuit of safety. The United States, in particular, has been plagued by incidents of gun violence, including mass shootings on college campuses.

Many African Americans are seeking environments where they don’t have to live in constant fear for their lives or the lives of their children.

Escape from Racial Tensions

African Americans are often looking to live in places where they’re not “constantly being condemned by racial issues.”

Africa offers an environment where they can potentially escape the systemic racism and racial tensions that are prevalent in the United States and parts of Europe.

Police Brutality

The ongoing issue of police brutality towards Black individuals in the United States has become a significant factor driving African Americans to consider relocation.

The excessive use of force by law enforcement against Black people has led to a sense of constant danger and injustice, prompting many to seek out environments where they feel their lives are more valued and protected.

Quality of Life

The concept of a “soft life” or a more peaceful existence is attracting many to Africa. Some find that despite the challenges, life in certain African countries offers a better work-life balance and less stress compared to the fast-paced, high-pressure environments in the US or Europe.

To Feel at Home:

Some people want to learn more about their origins. They want to meet family and learn about their culture. 

To Help

Many people want to make their home countries better. They learned new skills while away and want to use them to help. 

Success Stories

Entrepreneurs Creating Jobs

Meet Jemila Abdulai, a great example of someone with a lot of business spirit. After living abroad for years, Jemila came back to Ghana and started Circumspecte, a website that helps young Africans start their own businesses.

Think of Circumspecte as a place where ideas grow into successful businesses. Jemila’s platform has created jobs and inspired many young Africans to follow their business dreams. 

Professionals Bringing Expertise

Dr. Mo Ibrahim, who is from Sudan, is a well-known businessperson and someone who loves to help others.

After doing well in the telecommunications industry in the UK, he came back to Africa and started Celtel, a big mobile phone company.

He also created the Mo Ibrahim Foundation to support good leadership and governance in Africa.

Ory Okolloh, a lawyer and activist from Kenya, came back to Kenya after studying and working in the United States.

She helped start Ushahidi, a platform that uses information from lots of people to map out crises. Ushahidi means “testimony” in Swahili. It has helped make things more open and honest in Africa.

Her creative ideas have inspired many people and shown how technology can help make the world a better place.

Cultural Influencers

Maya Angelou, a famous American poet and author, lived in Ghana for several years in the 1960s. Her time there had a big impact on her writing and activism.

Maya got involved with local artists, writers, and activists, and helped connect African and African-American cultures. 

Government Initiatives: Ghana’s “Year of Return”

In 2019, Ghana did something really that caught everyone’s eye. They asked African people from all over the world to come back home. They called it the “Year of Return.” Here’s what it was about:

It was 400 years since the first African slaves were taken to America.

Ghana said to people with African roots, “Come visit us. This is your home too.

They had many fun events, like parties and tours of old places.

They also talked about ways people could put money into businesses in Ghana.

Many people came. Some just visited, but others decided to stay.

This was a big success. It was like a big “welcome home” party for people whose families had left Africa long ago.

Some Challenges Faced by Those Who Came Back

Cultural Shock: Adjusting to a different way of life can be tough. Even if they grew up in Africa, years abroad can create a disconnection. It’s like going to a new school where everything feels strange.

Economic Challenges: Economic problems are a big deal. Many people come back home with big dreams, but things don’t always go as planned. Starting a business could be harder and cost more money than they thought.

Government Rules Make Things Hard: Setting up a business can be really hard because of all the paperwork and rules. People often feel stuck and annoyed because sometimes, it takes so long.

Overall Impact on Development

Economic Contributions

The African diaspora is really important for Africa’s economic growth. People who come back home send money, invest, and share their skills, which helps the economy a lot.

In 2019, the Ghana Tourism Agency said they made $1.9 billion at the end of the year from about 760,000 visitors who came to the country. This money helped many businesses and boosted the economy. 

Many people who come back home also invest in new businesses, real estate, and other projects, creating jobs and helping the economy grow. 

Social and Cultural Influences

People who come back home bring lots of different ideas and cultures that make local communities better.

This sharing of cultures can help everyone understand each other better and come up with new and creative things.

People who come back home mostly bring new art, food, and social practices, making local communities more lively and exciting.

Political Engagement and Advocacy

Some people who come back home get involved in politics and help their communities. They bring new ideas and experiences from other countries, which can help make better rules and policies.

People who come back home often work on important issues like human rights, education, and healthcare.

How Would The Future Look Like

The return of African people from other countries is a big and important movement. As we’ve seen, people who come back home bring lots of skills, knowledge, and experiences that help improve the economy, society, and politics in Africa.

From businesspeople like Jemila Abdulai to professionals like Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Ory Okolloh, and Maya Angelou, their work is changing Africa’s future for the better.

The future looks promising as more young professionals and entrepreneurs are coming back to Africa to find new opportunities. 

This new group of people wants to bring new ideas and make a difference. These young people are starting tech companies, launching creative projects, and helping in different areas like farming and healthcare.

Their excitement and hard work are changing Africa’s economy for the better.

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