The recent Global African Diaspora Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa to strategize on involving Africa’s diaspora in development is a step in the right direction. If what the Chinese and India Diasporas have done in the recent social, economic and technological development of China and India is anything to go by, Africans in diaspora stand to play a decisive role in the anticipated Africa’s renaissance of the 21st century.

While the partnership between Africa and its Diaspora has the capacity to become one of the most notable achievements of the 21st century, a lot of work lies ahead. It should not be assumed that the African diaspora will involve themselves in Africa’s activities out of altruism. While such a move has its place, strategies that will address their interests vis a vis the African interests ought to be laid. Despite blood and familial linkages, Africans and Africans in the Diaspora will come to the table with differing expectations and anticipated outcomes.

African leaders must now walk the talk to facilitate the emergence of a durable, sustainable Africa-Africa Diaspora partnership that can stand the test of time and play a game changing role in the lives of future generations of Africans and their brethren in the Diaspora.