Negash, African Diaspora ambassador wears new hat

Queen of Hearts and Africa’s golden daughter, Almaz Negash, this week, got the chance to walk the talk after years of convening the biggest and richest gathering of African Diasporans in the United States since 2016, the African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS).

As founder of the African Diaspora Network (ADN), she has worked assiduously to create a new vista for Africa’s development, which is anchoring the continent’s progress and future on the wealth of experiences and remittances from the diaspora community, through brick and mortar, to help young talents back home.

Creating several legacy programs like the Builders of Africa’s Future and Accelerating Black Leadership and Entrepreneurship (ABLE), Negash has been able to create new economic opportunities and advance the entrepreneurial aspirations of Black individuals through training, mentorship, and network throughout the United States and beyond.

On Tuesday, as a recognition of the invaluable work she has done within the Black community, President Joe Biden announced her appointment, alongside 11 others as members of the U.S. advisory council on African diaspora engagement.

In an heartfelt reaction to the appointment yesterday, Negash wrote: “In December of 2022, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted the U.S. Africa Leaders’ Summit (ALS). During this summit, President Biden pledged to establish an Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement. Today, I am delighted to share that not only did he fulfill this promise, but I also have the privilege of serving on this council. It is an honor to represent the African Diaspora and friends of Africa alongside my fellow council members.

“The primary mission of this council is to provide guidance on strengthening the social, economic, political, and cultural ties between Africa and the USA. Furthermore, it is our commitment at African Diaspora Network to leverage this platform to convene, engage, and mobilize the diaspora community.

“It is noteworthy that the announcement of the President’s Advisory Council coincides with the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, where the ADN team had an opportunity to host a session on Beyond Remittances, attend other sessions, and exchange ideas and possibilities on how we can mobilize the African diaspora and friends of Africa. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation & KBFUS, for their generous support, which made this endeavor possible.

“The energy and enthusiasm I encountered at each of these gatherings, starting with our own event on ‘Beyond Remittances,’ were truly inspiring and invigorating.

“Our ‘Beyond Remittances’ Panel Session and Dinner Reception, featuring an insightful keynote address by the Honorable British Robinson of Prosper Africa and contributions from panelists Josh Ghaim, Deniece O. Laurent-Mantey, Pedro De Vasconcelos , and Ali Diallo, shed light on how the diaspora can significantly enhance its impact on Africa. We explored specific engagement and investment opportunities

   “The GoalKeepers convening hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stands out as one of the most impactful and thought-provoking gatherings I’ve ever attended. It went beyond discussing how to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); it vividly showcased this progress through powerful storytelling. Whether the discussions centered on maternal health, child mortality, poverty, climate change, or diversity and inclusion, the session both celebrated and challenged us, inspiring everyone to take meaningful action.

“I would also like to express my special appreciation to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Africa Center, and the End Fund for affording me the opportunity to participate and engage with influential figures in discussions concerning climate change, healthcare, education, and infrastructure investments in Africa, and how the diaspora can actively contribute to these efforts.

“In summary, I am profoundly grateful for the extraordinary opportunity to serve on the President’s African Diaspora Engagement Council and the experiences and opportunities that unfolded during UNGA. As always, thank you.”