African Diaspora Leadership and contribution in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

The intertwined narratives of the African Diaspora and global migration hold immense potential for shaping a world that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The diasporic communities, diverse and dynamic, have been catalysts for positive change, influencing cultures, economies, and perspectives across continents. Simultaneously, migration, a force that transcends borders, has the transformative power to propel Least Developed Countries (LDCs) toward sustainable development. This comprehensive article delves into the leadership, contributions, strategic engagement, and transformative potential of the African Diaspora in the pursuit of the UN SDGs.

African Diaspora: A Force for Positive Change

The African Diaspora’s impact on global advocacy and activism is noteworthy. Leaders within the diaspora have taken up crucial roles in non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, and international institutions, championing causes such as social justice, equality, and environmental sustainability – all integral aspects of the SDGs. A compelling example is Kumi Naidoo, a South African human rights activist and former International Executive Director of Greenpeace. Naidoo’s advocacy for environmental justice aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action), shedding light on the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable African communities.

Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

Economic contributions from the African Diaspora extend beyond advocacy, with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices. Initiatives like the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS) provide platforms for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to explore opportunities for investment in Africa. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote exemplifies how sustainable business practices can address social challenges while driving economic growth, aligning with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Healthcare and Education Initiatives

Prominent members of the African Diaspora have actively addressed healthcare and education challenges, contributing to SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education). Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners In Health, has dedicated his life to improving healthcare in underserved communities globally. Initiatives like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund highlight the diaspora’s role in promoting education, a cornerstone for achieving SDGs related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable economic growth.

Migration: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development

Migration, a global phenomenon, has historically played a pivotal role in reducing poverty and global inequality. In the contemporary context, its strategic potential for LDCs is underscored by limited means and structural challenges. The article explores how the diasporic economy can catalyze sustainable development, addressing key questions about leveraging migration for enhanced production capabilities and economic diversification.

Challenges Faced by Migrants

Migrants often confront discrimination, xenophobia, and social marginalization, making them among the most vulnerable globally. Addressing workers’ rights and eliminating discrimination in housing, healthcare, and education are crucial for achieving SDGs, emphasizing the commitment to leaving no one behind.

The Rise of the Diasporic Economy

International migration’s diversity, especially South-South migration, has become a critical resource for developing countries. Beyond remittances, the diasporic economy encompasses trade in goods, services, and intellectual property. Case studies from countries like China, India, and Mexico illustrate the opportunities for LDCs to engage with their diasporas strategically.

Opportunities for Developing Countries

The diasporic economy’s impact on poverty reduction and inequality goes beyond traditional external capital sources. It facilitates non-traditional finance, investment, and savings, positively influencing life capabilities for migrants and their communities. LDCs can learn from successful engagement strategies from countries like China, India, and Mexico.

Leveraging Remittances to Propel Sustainable Development in Africa.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) stand as the pinnacle of global efforts towards inclusive development. Particularly crucial for Africa, these ambitious frameworks aim to reshape the continent’s developmental landscape. Despite past endeavours, Africa faces persistent challenges, including declining Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). The untapped potential of remittances within the SDG framework to catalyze sustainable development is immense.

Contextualizing Development in Africa:

Africa, laden with developmental challenges, cannot be left to tackle its issues in isolation. SDGs offer a comprehensive roadmap, emphasizing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Adopted in 2015, the 17 SDGs are pivotal for Africa’s retooling of development policies, financing, and implementation. The continent must navigate a complex global economic and political landscape, necessitating unconventional approaches to development financing.

2. The Financial Challenge:

The current global financial situation poses a formidable threat to achieving SDGs, especially in developing countries. Early assessments indicate that African countries are lagging in SDG achievement. Development finance remains a critical bottleneck, demanding the exploration of alternative financing mechanisms. This article contends that when strategically harnessed, remittances can serve as a crucial financial lifeline for Africa’s sustainable development.

3. Remittances as Agents of Change:

Often overlooked in mainstream development discourse, remittances present a compelling avenue for achieving SDGs, acting as tangible contributions to Goals 1–6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 17. Migrants, numbering around 200 million, play a pivotal role by continuously sending remittances to improve the welfare of their left-behind households. Recognizing migrants as stakeholders in development financing becomes imperative for a comprehensive SDG implementation.

4. Remittances and Development Financing:

The article explores how remittances extend beyond traditional financial transfers. They encompass trade in goods, services, and intellectual property, offering economic diversification and growth opportunities. Drawing insights from case studies in Haiti, Tonga, and Bangladesh, the diverse nature of remittance services emphasizes the need for strategic financialization and reduced transaction costs in the context of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

6. Opportunities for Inclusive Development:

If strategically leveraged, remittances can contribute to poverty reduction and inequality by facilitating non-traditional finance, investment, and savings. Initiatives like the “Banking the Unbanked” campaign gained prominence, providing financial services to remittance recipients outside traditional banking systems. This inclusive approach aligns with the overarching SDG principle of leaving no one behind.

The African Diaspora and migration play pivotal roles in pursuing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals globally. Both phenomena contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable world through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and strategic engagement. Recognizing and amplifying their impact is essential for achieving the shared vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future. When harnessed effectively, the transformative potential of migration allows Least Developed Countries to become active participants in the global endeavor to leave no one behind in the journey toward sustainable development.

Written by Olivier Noudjalbaye Dedingar, USA Correspondent.