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Image An exciting philanthropic programme is providing a pathway for young Africans in the Diaspora to contribute to development in Africa

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Africa-Gives is a social enterprise that aims to provide pathways for young diaspora Africans aged 18-35 to engage in the development of Africa through giving their time, money and skills, and is seeking to engage with young Africans (www.Africa-Gives.wordpress.com).

Africa-Gives provides a platform, network and support for the young generation of diaspora Africans; offering guidance on how to capitalise on the growing opportunities in a fast changing continent.

It challenges young people to innovate and activate new and effective ways of enhancing how Africans give to Africa.  The main goal is to design and build an innovative platform that enables young diaspora Africans, between the ages of 18 to 35, but not exclusively, to mobilise significant resources – both money and skills - for development in Africa.

The enterprise is owned by the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) which, since its formation in 1994, has gained recognition as a pioneering African development think tank and charity. AFFORD’s groundbreaking research, advocacy and policy development activities have helped highlight diaspora issues and led to international recognition of the role of diasporas in development. AFFORD has had direct input in the policy development of diverse bodies such as the UN, World Bank, DFID, International Organisation for Migration, UN Economic Commission for Africa, African Union, and the European Union. Most recently, AFFORD has piloted effective ways of harnessing African diaspora resources to create and sustain jobs in Africa.

Skills and Philanthropy 

Africa is experiencing positive economic growth and social change and the whole world is yet again looking at ways of benefiting from Africa’s wealth. AFFORD believes that it is especially important for young Africans in the diaspora to engage with the fast changing continent and capitalise on the growing opportunities.

By deploying technical skills, professional experiences, charitable donations and business investments, the diaspora finds practical ways to give to and take from Africa in a manner that fosters ethical progress and sustainable development. AFFORD’s Africa-Gives project challenges young African professionals and leaders, to innovate and activate new and effective ways of enhancing how Africans give to Africa.

What Role for Africa’s Young Diaspora?

ImageA groundbreaking academic study ‘Mobilising resources for Africa: What role for young Africans in the diaspora?’, developed jointly by AFFORD, AMREF, the Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy (CGAP) and CASS Business School, explored how young diaspora Africans give to Africa; whether they are repeating the patterns of giving of their parents who remit huge amounts to Africa, or whether they would benefit from a different targeted approach.

This group are currently underrepresented in ‘official’ giving and philanthropic profiles and the findings of the study sheds unique light on understanding the challenges they face and how to engage with them to begin to generate significant resources for Africa’s development.

The findings will be of interest to those wishing to encourage and support philanthropy among young diaspora Africans and can be accessed via www.afford-uk.org.

“As Africa goes through a renaissance, there is a changing perception of the continent among young diaspora Africans,” says Emma Orefuwa, co-ordinator of Africa-Gives. “While there is recognition that issues of poverty and instability remains, younger generations of African in the diaspora recognise that Africa is an exciting place to be right now, with opportunities abound.

“Many young Africans want to reconnect with their continent of origin and give back in many ways. However they lack structured pathways to do so. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into how to capitalise on this often untapped source of philanthropy.”

What does Africa Really Give?

Africans in the diaspora gave over $60 billion to the continent in 2012 through remittances. Much of this money supported the education and health needs and day to day consumption of relatives, proving the generosity of ordinary Africans.

Beyond this, there is also a growing wave of high profile philanthropists, such as Mo Ibrahim and Tony Elumelu, bringing conventional philanthropy to the continent through their high profile foundations. Now, platforms such as Africa-Gives seek to energise philanthropic giving amongst young Africans.

What has Africa-Gives achieved so far?

ImageSince its launch in July 2012, Africa-Gives has formed partnerships with 17 diaspora organisations and development partners, developed an internship programme and held various seminars and carried out a volunteering mission to Nigeria and provided support to many individuals engaging in development   initiatives in Africa.

Going forward, Africa-Gives will launch an innovative online platform, provide training, access to volunteering projects and internship opportunities across Africa for UK based young diaspora Africans.

Your Call to Action

How you can get involved:

To learn more about Africa-Gives and how you can participate in the programme, visit: http://africagives.wordpress.com or contact Emma Orefuwa, the Africa-Gives coordinator, at emma@afford-uk.org

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