ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the role that members of the African diaspora can play in ensuring the renaissance of the African continent. Specific emphasis is placed on the contemporary diaspora who migrated to the United States from the 1960s to today and their role in fostering economic development in Africa. The paper addresses the following question: what role can Africans in the diaspora play to contribute and promote economic development in Africa in the areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and human capital development? The underlying assumption is that Africa is an emerging economy, and the diaspora can play an important role in its emergence. Through participation in the continent’s economic development, the African diaspora can become an influential force both in growing regional economies and in supporting positive social change throughout the continent. This chapter discusses the roles and responsibilities of African governments and political leaders to create an environment that encourages the contributions of members of the African diaspora in ways specific to the circumstances in their home countries. It also discusses utilizing the UN sustainable development goals platform to create strategic partnerships and encourage entrepreneurial opportunities for members of the African diaspora.
