Unlocking the African diaspora’s financial capital for economic growth

  • Mon, November 16, 2026 • 9:30 am ET
  • Atlantic Council Headquarters
  • 1400 L Street NW • Floor 11
  • Washington, DC 20005

The Africa Center hosts a conversation on mobilizing the African diaspora’s capital at scale to unlock investment opportunities across the continent. 

On Monday, November 16 at 9:30 a.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center will host a conversation on mobilizing the African diaspora’s capital at scale to unlock investment opportunities across the continent. 

The potential of remittances as a source of development finance is largely untapped. At $898 billion worldwide in 2024, remittances are the largest external financial flow to most developing regions, far exceeding foreign aid levels. The broader potential of diaspora funds to drive sustainable development through productive investment remains hindered by the absence of credible, structured financing instruments and collective mechanisms.

Through tools such as diaspora bonds, diversified payment rights, guarantee facilities, and lower-cost digital financial infrastructure, policymakers and investors can help channel diaspora capital into investments that support sustainable economic growth across Africa.

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Welcome remarks

Ashley N. Scott
Senior Director, Global Policy and Government Affairs,
Circle

Speakers

Semhar Araia
Chief Executive Officer,
The Diaspora Academy

Nicholas M. Bassey
Chief Operations & Programs Officer,
African Diaspora Network

Nnamdi Kalu Ezera
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Diaspora Africans in Trade and Investment

Manuel Orozco
Director, Migration, Remittances and Development Program,
Inter-American Dialogue

Moderated by

Jeannine B. Scott
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Africa Center,
Atlantic Council

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The Africa Center works to promote dynamic geopolitical partnerships with African states and to redirect US and European policy priorities toward strengthening security and bolstering economic growth and prosperity on the continent.

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