The Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF) Embassy has launched a mobile application to connect Africans abroad to business and investment opportunities in Ghana, in a move aimed at mobilising diaspora resources, skills and networks for economic development.
The platform provides information on business opportunities, tourism, land-related interests, citizenship services and networking, offering diaspora members a digital entry point to explore opportunities in Ghana and across Africa.
Dr Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of the DAF Embassy for the African Diaspora, said the application would strengthen engagement between Africa and its historical and continental diasporas, particularly in development-related activities.
She said the diaspora, estimated at more than 380 million people worldwide, represented a significant pool of people whose expertise, resources and business connections could contribute to Africa’s development.
Dr Bennett explained that the historical diaspora comprised people whose ancestors were displaced through slavery, while the continental diaspora consisted of Africans who had moved abroad for employment, education and better opportunities.
She said African leaders increasingly recognised the diaspora as the sixth region of Africa, highlighting the importance of involving its members in economic transformation.
Mr Kevin Williams, Director of the DAF Youth Empowerment Training Centre and Managing Director of Afriam, said the application was designed as a one-stop platform for people interested in exploring opportunities across the continent.
He said the platform would provide information on business opportunities, tourism, repatriation, citizenship and land-related interests, while creating avenues for networking and participation in development initiatives in Ghana.
The application also seeks to promote the activities of the DAF Youth Empowerment Training Centre and other programmes, including youth development, sports and initiatives supporting young women entrepreneurs.
Mr Williams said the Centre, established in May 2023, had trained young people and immigration officers and participated in the President’s One Million Coders Initiative.
He said the Centre provided skills development and training to prepare young people for employment and equip them with the competencies needed to contribute to national development.
The Embassy is also seeking support for its programmes, including scholarships and computers for students at the Centre.
Mr Williams said the application offered options for one-time and recurring contributions to support the Centre’s activities and other development projects.
Beyond business and investment information, the platform features a resource centre, a news feed providing diaspora-related updates, tourism resources and links to the Embassy’s social media platforms.
Another feature, the Sankofa Wall, allows members of the global diaspora to honour their ancestors by placing their names on the platform.
Dr Bennett said the application would improve access to the Embassy’s programmes and resources while enabling users to contribute feedback to enhance its features.
She encouraged individuals and organisations that shared the Embassy’s vision to support its work in entrepreneurship, youth empowerment and charitable initiatives.
The application is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, with a QR code also provided to facilitate access.
The platform’s potential economic contribution will depend on how effectively it connects diaspora members to credible investment opportunities, local businesses and reliable partners capable of translating interest into commercial activity.
