Financing African Development: Mobilising the Diaspora
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In September 2004, Diageo convened a panel discussion to look at the role the African diaspora can play in advancing the continent’s development. Financing African Development: Mobilising the Diaspora took place on the fringe of the 2004 Labour party conference and brought together representatives from the UK government and the recently established Commission for Africa, leaders of diaspora organisations and experts in diaspora fund transfer.
The African diaspora is already playing an important role in African development. Each year it remits an estimated $45 billion. Financing African Development: Mobilising the Diaspora sought to explore how these funds could be better structured to promote sustainable development on the continent. It is also considered the transfer of intellectual resource and creative business practices that the African diaspora is stimulating.
David Hampshire, Chairman of Diageo Africa, chaired the discussion. Panellists then gave short presentations on their areas of expertise:
Dr Titilola Banjoko
Managing Director, Africa Recruit
The findings of a recent survey of diaspora investments in Africa.
Barbara James
Associate Director, African Investment Advisory
Investment vehicles for the African diaspora.
Tidjane Thiam, Commissioner
Commission for Africa
The work of the Commission for Africa to engage the diaspora in its consultations.
Rt Hon Paul Boateng MP
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, HM Treasury
The UK Government's commitment to African development.
These presentations are summarised in the download above.