The African diaspora has long been a vital source of investment, talent, and innovation for the continent. African leaders living abroad are increasingly investing in their home countries, creating opportunities, and fostering economic growth.
Here are five prominent African diaspora leaders who are making significant investments in Africa’s development:
1. Aliko Dangote (Nigeria)
Although Aliko Dangote is based in Nigeria, his global business empire has made him one of the most influential African diaspora figures. As the richest person in Africa, Dangote has expanded his business interests beyond Nigeria into several African countries.
He has invested heavily in sectors such as cement production, agriculture, oil, and gas, particularly through the Dangote Group. His investments are creating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to Africa’s economic growth.
His vision for a self-sufficient Africa includes reducing the continent’s reliance on imports, particularly in sectors like agriculture and energy.
2. Strive Masiyiwa (Zimbabwe)
Strive Masiyiwa, a prominent Zimbabwean entrepreneur, is one of the most influential figures in the African tech and telecommunications sectors. Based in the UK, he is the founder and executive chairman of Econet Wireless, a telecommunications company that has expanded across Africa.
Through his various businesses, including investments in renewable energy, fintech, and agriculture, Masiyiwa is driving innovation and economic development.
Additionally, his philanthropic work focuses on improving education and health across the continent. Masiyiwa’s investments and efforts in Africa have earned him recognition as a key leader in Africa’s economic transformation.
3. Mo Ibrahim (Sudan)
Mo Ibrahim, a Sudanese-British entrepreneur and philanthropist, is renowned for his investments in telecommunications, particularly through his company, Celtel.
His success in the African telecommunications sector has helped boost economic connectivity and infrastructure across the continent.
Beyond his business ventures, Ibrahim has established the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which works to improve governance and leadership across Africa.
Through his foundation and investments, Ibrahim is playing a significant role in driving positive change in Africa’s political and economic landscape.
4. Isabel dos Santos (Angola)
Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of Angola’s former president, has become one of Africa’s wealthiest women and a key figure in the diaspora’s investment efforts.
Based in Europe, she has made extensive investments in sectors like telecommunications, finance, energy, and retail across Africa, particularly in Angola and other Portuguese-speaking African countries.
Dos Santos’s businesses aim to promote economic growth and create jobs, with a strong focus on infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy. Despite facing controversies in her career, her investments continue to have a substantial impact on Africa’s economy.
5. Akon (Senegal)
Akon, a Senegalese-American artist and entrepreneur, is leading innovative initiatives that focus on sustainable development and infrastructure in Africa. He is best known for his “Akon City” project, a futuristic, eco-friendly city in Senegal that aims to be powered by renewable energy.
Through his non-profit, Akon Lighting Africa, the musician-turned-businessman has been instrumental in bringing solar energy solutions to rural communities across several African nations.
His investment in Africa spans sectors like renewable energy, technology, and real estate, with a clear focus on empowering African youth and improving access to basic services.
These diaspora leaders are not just making financial investments but are also driving innovation, infrastructure development, and sustainability across the African continent. Through their efforts, they are helping to shape a new era of economic growth and transformation in Africa.
