Diaspora Groups Must Move Beyond Culture to Drive Development — Collins Nweke

Development expert and author, Collins Nweke, has called on African diaspora organisations to move beyond cultural preservation and reposition themselves as strategic partners in driving development, investment and innovation across the continent.

Nweke made the call ahead of his keynote address at the 2026 National Leadership and Membership Forum of the Plateau State Association USA (PSA-USA), themed Reflecting on Our Impact, Strengthening Our Relevance, Shaping Our Future.

In a reflection released before the event, Nweke said preparations for the forum prompted him to consider the broader future of African diaspora organisations rather than focusing solely on one association.

According to him, organisations representing hometowns, states, professional bodies, alumni groups and national associations should begin redefining their purpose to meet Africa’s evolving development needs.

Using Nigeria as an example, Nweke recalled that the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999 paved the way for structured engagement with citizens abroad through the Diaspora Millennium Assemblies, which later culminated in the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).

He explained that while community associations continued to promote welfare, cultural identity and mutual support, NIDO was created to provide a platform for development-oriented engagement with Nigeria.

Nweke, however, argued that the changing global landscape now demands a broader vision for diaspora organisations.

He noted that the diaspora should no longer be valued primarily for remittances but also for its wealth of knowledge, professional expertise, international networks and institutional experience.

According to him, these strengths can be harnessed to support investment promotion, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills transfer, tourism development, university partnerships and stronger collaboration with subnational governments.

Nweke also urged state governments, local authorities, educational institutions and investors to see diaspora organisations as trusted development partners capable of attracting opportunities and fostering sustainable growth.

He maintained that preserving cultural identity remains important but should no longer be the sole measure of a diaspora organisation’s relevance.

Rather, he said, the true measure of success should be the tangible impact such organisations make in improving communities through governance support, economic development and international collaboration.

Nweke expressed optimism that discussions at the PSA-USA forum would inspire similar conversations across African diaspora organisations, encouraging them to embrace a broader and more transformative role in shaping the continent’s future.