Africa urged to embrace diaspora

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – AFRICA’S diaspora sends more than US$100 billion (about R1.8 trillion) home every year—yet many of those same citizens say they are being shut out by their own governments when they attempt to invest, transfer skills, and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development.

This paradox took centre stage at the Africa Telecoms Executive Roundtable 2026, where Johnny Muteba, Chairman and Founder of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce, warned that Africa risks undermining one of its greatest strategic assets.

“The diaspora sends remittances… more than US$100 billion per year—more than foreign aid and foreign direct investment combined,” Muteba said.

“So alienating that capital is a serious problem.”

Despite this financial lifeline, diasporans frequently encounter policy barriers, regulatory bottlenecks, and limited access to funding platforms when attempting to invest back home.

Muteba cited a growing frustration among skilled Africans abroad.

“A lot of people in the diaspora… are saying the same problem,” he said, adding that even high-profile figures face obstacles.

“He wants to come back home… he wants to invest, and he is alienated by his own country.”

Beyond capital, Africa is also losing critical expertise.

Many members of the diaspora are trained at leading global institutions and possess cutting-edge skills in technology, finance, and innovation.

“They went to Stanford, they went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, they went to Harvard, they went to Oxford… they are sitting with all of that knowledge outside of Africa,” Muteba noted.

He warned that unless governments create an enabling environment, the continent will miss an opportunity to leapfrog economically.

With a population of approximately 1.4 billion—largely young—Africa has one of the most advantageous demographic profiles globally.

However, structural inefficiencies continue to hold it back.

Among the key barriers are fragmented policies, weak digital infrastructure, and limited intra-African trade.

“We know exactly what is needed… but policies are slow to come to the party,” Muteba said.

“We want to strengthen intra-Africa trade, we want to foster intra-investment… but also socioeconomic integration.”

Currently, trade among African countries remains critically low.

“Intra-African trade sits at about 15 to 16 percent… we are the only region in the world that trades the least with itself,” he said.

This lack of integration is compounded by restrictions on the movement of people, goods, and services.

Muteba emphasised that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds promise but requires urgent implementation and political will.

“When we speak about a digital single market… movement of persons and services and capital must be ensured and everybody participates,” he said.

He further highlighted everyday inefficiencies that stifle commerce.

“Something as simple as roaming… makes trade continentally a problem,” he explained, pointing to inconsistent telecommunications systems across neighbouring countries.

The consequences are far-reaching.

Despite possessing vast reserves of rare earth minerals and natural resources, Africa remains one of the poorest regions globally.

Experts attribute this to a combination of weak industrialisation, limited value addition, governance challenges, and continued dependence on external markets.

Muteba also pointed to a mismatch between education and industry needs.

“There’s a mismatch between what universities are producing and what the marketplace actually requires,” he said, linking this to high unemployment and limited economic inclusion.

To reverse these trends, he called for bold reforms centred on inclusivity and openness.

“We need to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of small and medium enterprises,” he said.

“We can compete if we have the diaspora in the room.”

He further urged African governments to embrace regional collaboration and equitable market access.

“It is creating a marketplace that is fair, that is balanced, where opportunities are created for everyone—not just one dominant market,” he said.

Ultimately, Muteba stressed that Africa’s future hinges on its ability to unlock its own people—both at home and abroad.

“If we connect with the diaspora productively… we are going to be the continent of the future,” he said.

Failure to act, he warned, risks leaving billions in potential investment—and a generation of talent—on the sidelines.

– CAJ News