Global Africa initiative aims to bridge information, opportunity, and investment gaps within the African Diaspora, fostering a more prosperous African future.
The Africa Center, in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the imminent launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center (AADC). This innovative initiative aims to connect Africans on the continent with the African Diaspora, fostering a stronger relationship between these communities. The AADC will act as a vital institutional link, facilitating the exchange of Africa-centric information and enabling individuals to capitalize on economic opportunities both in Africa and abroad, ultimately benefiting all individuals of African descent, regardless of their location.
The official launch of the AADC is scheduled for the 2024 Future Africa Forum on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 4:30 PM EST, taking place at The Africa Center in Aliko Dangote Hall, located at 1280 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.
The creation of the AADC aligns with The Africa Center's mission to foster engagement with modern Africa and reshape perceptions of the continent and its people in the global context. It also supports Afreximbank's goal of establishing a robust economic force capable of addressing current challenges and creating future opportunities for Africans. Together, The Africa Center and Afreximbank will provide a platform for essential dialogues regarding Africa's position in the global arena, especially as the African Diaspora increasingly influences policy, demographics, and cultural dynamics worldwide. This partnership seeks to leverage the strengths of the African Diaspora, promoting both individual and collective interactions with Africa that are progressive, impactful, and transformative.
Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of The Africa Center said, “The launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center at The Africa Center during the annual Future Africa Forum, demonstrates how The Africa Center continues to be an interdisciplinary institution that brings the ideas, people, and possibilities of Africa together. As the world converges in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), The Africa Center stands as a critical venue for conversations, connections, and celebrations of African innovation. This is where the complexities of Africa’s past, present, and future can be explored and appreciated in their full depth. We are excited about the opportunities and relationships the AADC will offer Africans and people of African descent to better understand who we are as a global community and what we can accomplish for the future of Africa together.”
To celebrate this historic milestone, Professor Bennedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank said, “The African Diaspora has snowballed into a significant economic bloc that is increasingly integrating into the broader African continent and facilitating exchange of ideas and resources. In a polarizing world, deepening the socio-economic engagements 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 organizing African resources for the transformation of the fortunes of the African people, wherever they may be. We are most pleased to have launched this initiative, which is a further step to concretizing our ‘Global Africa’ Agenda."
Alongside the launch of the Afreximbank Africa Diaspora Center, The Africa Center will also open the exhibition Points of Resonance: Contemporary Photography in Africa on September 18, 2024. Curated by Heba Farid and Zein Khalifa, founders of TINTERA gallery, and Sarah Sarofim – an independent curator and editor, based in Cairo, Egypt. The exhibition brings together the work of twelve artists living and working in Africa and the Diaspora: Ibrahim Ahmed, Sammy Baloji, Fatoumata Diabaté, Nelly El Sharkawy, Maheder Haileselassie, Heba Khalifa, Seif Kousmate, Lebohang Kganye, Safaa Mazirh, Hashim Nasr, Nobukho Nqaba, and Dawit L. Petros.
Utilizing the language and tools of photography, these artists explore the impacts of colonialism, migration, and evolving identities. Points of Resonance emphasizes common connections across the African continent and its Diaspora, demonstrating how the works resonate and echo each other, amplifying shared challenges, aspirations, and dreams.
The 2024 Future Africa Forum will feature a panel discussion, distinguished guest remarks, and a celebration of African fashion, complemented by live music and African gastronomy. Points of Resonance will be complimentary and open to the public for two months, showcasing the dynamic interplay of African and Diaspora identities.
For more information, please visit www.TheAfricaCenter.org