The African diaspora has long played a crucial role in shaping the socio-political and economic trajectories of both their countries of origin and residence. In recent years, this influence has become increasingly institutionalized, with diasporic communities actively participating in diplomatic dialogues, economic initiatives, and cultural exchanges. Paris, in particular, has positioned itself as a central platform for such engagements, hosting a series of events and launching initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between France and African diasporas. This article delves into these developments, analyzing their implications for global diplomacy and the redefinition of international relations in a multipolar world.
Paris: A Strategic Platform for Diaspora Engagement
In April 2025, the Ancrages Forum convened in Marseille, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and members of the African diaspora to discuss avenues for economic collaboration between France and African nations. Organized by the association Les Déterminés and supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the forum underscored France’s commitment to leveraging the potential of its African diasporic communities. Initiatives such as the MEET Africa and Pass Africa programs were highlighted, aiming to support over 3,000 entrepreneurs to date, with plans to expand further in 2025. The Choose Africa program, a flagship initiative for funding the African private sector, has already funded over 40,000 African businesses, amounting to €3.5 billion. The renewed DIASDEV program seeks to reduce the cost of money transfers and develop innovative financial products for the diasporas, while the Digital Africa program provides technical, financial, and institutional assistance to African digital entrepreneurs.
Complementing these economic initiatives is the establishment of the House of African Worlds (MansA) in Paris. Envisioned by French President Emmanuel Macron, MansA aims to serve as a cultural and entrepreneurial incubator, fostering dialogue and innovation between France and African diasporas. Despite facing challenges in securing funding and a permanent location, the project is set to open in a temporary space in eastern Paris, with a program highlighting female creators and a call for projects to support young entrepreneurs.
Reaffirming Pan-Africanism: The 9th Pan-African Congress
In March 2025, Lomé hosted the 9th Pan-African Congress, a significant event aimed at reconciling the African continent with its diasporic communities. Recognizing the diaspora as the “sixth region” of Africa, the congress emphasized the need for renewed dialogue and collaboration. Discussions centered on facilitating the return of Afro-descendants to Africa, offering investment opportunities, and integrating them into African economies. The congress also addressed the sensitive issues of reparations for slavery and colonialism, advocating for economic, cultural, and political measures to acknowledge and rectify historical injustices.
The United States and African Diaspora Engagement
Contrasting France’s proactive approach, the United States has exhibited a more ambivalent stance towards African diaspora engagement. Reports in April 2025 indicated potential cuts to the State Department’s Africa-focused offices and a scaling back of diplomatic presence on the continent. A draft executive order proposed eliminating the regional bureau devoted to Africa and reducing the U.S. diplomatic footprint in Canada. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed these reports as “fake news,” the circulating document underscored concerns about the Trump administration’s commitment to Africa.
Further exacerbating these concerns, President Trump’s executive orders in January 2025 included a pause in all development assistance and the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. Notably, the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, established by President Biden in 2022, was abolished.
Digital Platforms and the Rise of the Digital Identity Economy
Amid these geopolitical shifts, digital platforms have emerged as vital tools for African diasporas to maintain connections with their homelands and foster economic engagement. Second-generation diasporans, in particular, are leveraging digital spaces to engage in cultural commerce, business development, and investment. This phenomenon, termed the “digital identity economy,” encompasses activities such as language learning apps, streaming African music, and promoting African fashion brands. These platforms not only facilitate cultural expression but also create economic opportunities and strengthen diasporic ties.
Challenges and Opportunities in Diaspora Diplomacy
While the initiatives in France and the digital engagement of diasporas present promising avenues for collaboration, challenges persist. The sustainability of projects like MansA depends on consistent funding and institutional support. Moreover, the divergence in policies between countries like France and the United States raises questions about the coherence of Western engagement with African diasporas. The success of diaspora diplomacy hinges on addressing these challenges and fostering inclusive, long-term strategies that recognize the multifaceted contributions of diasporic communities
The developments in Paris and beyond underscore the evolving role of African diasporas in global diplomacy. Through economic initiatives, cultural exchanges, and digital platforms, diasporic communities are reshaping international relations and asserting their influence. For policymakers and diplomats, acknowledging and supporting these dynamics is crucial for fostering equitable and sustainable partnerships between nations and their diasporic populations.
