The Africa Center and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have announced the forthcoming launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center (AADC). This bold initiative aims to serve as an institutional bridge, connecting Africans on the continent with those across the Diaspora, fostering enhanced economic opportunities and collaboration.
The official unveiling of the AADC is set to take place at the 2024 Future Africa Forum on Monday, 23 September 2024, at The Africa Center’s Aliko Dangote Hall, New York. The event, occurring during the week of the United Nations General Assembly, signifies a critical moment for the African Diaspora as it strengthens its ties to the continent at a pivotal juncture in global geopolitics.
The AADC will function as a critical gateway, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, and resources between Africa and its extensive Diaspora network. By leveraging this platform, individuals and communities of African descent will be better positioned to harness the continent’s abundant economic potential. For Afreximbank, this initiative underscores their broader ‘Global Africa’ agenda, which seeks to create a formidable economic force to address contemporary challenges while laying the groundwork for future growth.
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, articulated the significance of the AADC’s mission: “In a polarising world, deepening socio-economic engagement between Africa and its Diaspora towards a Global African Community has become urgent. The Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center will serve as the gateway to harnessing and organising African resources for the transformation of the fortunes of the African people, wherever they may be.”
Similarly, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center, highlighted the multidisciplinary role the new centre will play, stating: “The launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center at The Africa Center during the annual Future Africa Forum demonstrates how our institution continues to bring together the ideas, people, and possibilities of Africa. We are excited about the opportunities this centre will offer Africans and people of African descent to better understand who we are as a global community.”
The launch coincides with Points of Resonance: Contemporary Photography in Africa, an exhibition opening on 18 September 2024. Curated by Heba Farid and Zein Khalifa of TINTERA Gallery, and independent curator Sarah Sarofim, the exhibition features twelve African and Diaspora artists exploring themes of colonialism, migration, and evolving identities through the medium of photography. This dynamic collection serves as a testament to the intricate and interconnected experiences of African and Diaspora communities, amplifying shared narratives of struggle and aspiration.
The 2024 Future Africa Forum promises to be a landmark event, encompassing panel discussions, special addresses by esteemed guests, and celebrations of African culture, including fashion, music, and cuisine. In tandem with the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center, this forum is set to become a cornerstone for deepening the global African community’s engagement with its roots, while also fostering dialogue on the continent’s evolving role in the global arena.
