Ford Foundation asks Africans in diaspora to give back strategically

Catherine Aniagolu-Okoye, regional director of Ford Foundation West Africa, has implored Africans in the diaspora to strategically support and invest in development initiatives in their home countries.

Aniagolu-Okoye made the remarks during the African Diaspora Philanthropy Dialogue organised by OWA and PaTiTi Consulting in Houston, USA.

High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), philanthropists, and development experts attended the event.

They discussed ways to explore collaboration, trust, and accountability in the advancement of development efforts in Nigeria and across Africa.

Aniagolu-Okoye urged African diasporans to reconsider their approach to giving.

She emphasised that strategic philanthropy should focus on addressing systemic issues to foster sustainable development.

“The situation in Nigeria is dire, and the traditional support from international partners is dwindling due to global crises,” she said.

“Now, more than ever, it is crucial for Africans in the diaspora to strategically support and invest in development initiatives back home.”

Ajim Ayo, keynote speaker and co-founder of Grace Emergency Room, recognised the dedication of diasporans to philanthropy and pointed out that corruption and a lack of accountability remain significant obstacles.

He called for reforms in local development initiatives to ensure they are more effective.

He also encouraged HNIs to leverage their business foundations to support local philanthropy, as this could offer tax exemptions under US law.

Ajim noted that such contributions would strengthen businesses, further enabling investment in Africa’s philanthropy sector.

“The needs back home are enormous, and our involvement in philanthropic giving can create tangible change in our communities, leaving a legacy for future generations,” he said.

Chigbu Daniel, a lawyer, harped on the importance of due diligence and selecting trustworthy partners.

He commended Ford Foundation’s decision to match funding for select projects, suggesting this would build confidence among potential donors.

“When people are assured that their contributions will be used effectively, it will spur further giving and attract other networks to get involved,” Chigbu said.

The dialogue highlighted the significance of building trust through transparency and collaboration with credible local civil society organisations (CSOs).

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to local development, drawing from global best practices.

Discussions also spotlighted the substantial financial contributions of the African diaspora to families and communities.