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In May 2006 we launched ReConnect Africa.com as the ‘go to’ place for professionals of African origin overseas. What inspired this idea? ReConnect Africa was a personal response to a number of issues that I, along with many other Africans living abroad, have had to contend with.

One such issue was the lack of balanced coverage of Africa and a tendency in the mainstream Western news media to portray a continent that looked nothing like the one I knew. The tired stereotype of the African continent as a single country riddled with corruption, famine and disease was still busy doing the rounds. With little sign on Western televisions of African cities, industry, and commerce, the world had no sense of what normal, everyday life was like for millions of people across the continent.

What was also troubling was the lack of mainstream visibility for professionals of African origin and few media articles about the achievements – or even existence - of educated Africans. Other than high-profile names in sports and entertainment, a successful African was seen as a rare exception and our brothers and sisters of African origin who were quietly excelling in their own professional sectors received little or no recognition.

ReConnect Africa was a personal response to the issues many Africans living abroad contend with.

Another imperative was making the case for investing in Africa – not only to non-Africans but, most importantly, to Africans in the Diaspora who were subjected to the same negative stories about the lack of opportunity in their continent of origin. It seemed to me that rather than expecting others to change their tune, it was time for us to write a new song.

But perhaps the biggest issue for me personally, as a Human Resources professional, was the need to address the alarming flow of skills from the continent, the so-called brain drain, by bringing together opportunity and talent; the opportunities that abound within Africa and the wealth of talent that lives outside the continent.

ReConnect Africa Today

18 years later, we continue to address these challenges and misperceptions and this website continues to offer a repository of free-to-access articles, interviews, and resources.

Showcasing the successful professionals from our community and sharing the stories of their challenges and triumphs became an essential part of our mission with ReConnect Africa. News about business growth and successes, mergers and other opportunities has given readers a flavour of the enormous possibilities Africa offers for those who take the time to look.

On this platform, we highlight the many opportunities for investment and business, conferences, forums, and networking events, as well as events relating to business, investment, the Diaspora, music, culture, and the arts.

The incredible opportunity to be part of a movement to help reverse the brain drain of skilled professionals from Africa has been deeply rewarding. We provide a platform for companies and organisations in Africa to talk about their businesses and the skills they need, whether private, public, or non-governmental who seek to recruit African talent from both overseas and within the continent. Through our interviews, case studies and opinion pieces, we highlight the challenges inherent in returning home while also celebrating the benefits these sought-after skills in the Diaspora can bring, both to the countries involved and to the individuals returning.

The focus of ReConnect Africa has always been on Africans in the Diaspora and through the advice and tips provided by our expert career coaches, leadership, and management gurus, we bring you invaluable information to those seeking to progress their careers in their countries of residence around the world.

Enjoy!

Founder & Managing Editor, ReConnect Africa