THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Germany held its “Networking Summit for Nigerians in Germany” on Saturday (27 July) in Berlin.
The event was “designed to identify potential solutions for fostering Nigeria’s economic development” and “an opportunity to contribute to efforts to find solutions to the myriad problems confronting our nation,” according to NIDO Germany.
Kicking the Summit off, Dr (Engr) Moses Ogun, President of NIDO Germany, said Africa was facing numerous challenges, with countries like Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria currently experiencing severe economic difficulties. He mentioned that the continent was looking to its diaspora to collaborate on finding solutions, which was the purpose of the summit.
Bound together in a journey of discovery and shared vision
Ogun, an environmental engineer and researcher at the Hamburg University of Technology, said NIDO Germany’s mandate was to pool the resources of the diaspora to support national development. He explained that the event was also an opportunity for networking among diaspora Africans in diverse professional fields.
“We can learn from one another and broaden our horizons,” Ogun added. He emphasised that networking was necessary not only for professional success but also in realising the potential of the diaspora to contribute to African development.
The NIDO Germany’s leader said the diaspora was bound together in “a journey of discovery and a shared vision of a brighter future for Africa”.
Ogun outlined his vision for NIDO Germany at the event, which, among others, are to drive entrepreneurship among Nigerians in Germany, to galvanise Nigerians for a greater impact on national development and to set up a tech hub in Nigeria to drive technological development in the country.
He said he was committed to increasing the active membership of the organisation and would even reach out to non-members to actively participate in the organisation’s activities in its determination to increase diaspora impact in Nigeria.
Invest first in Germany before doing so in Africa
A three-person panel, moderated by Lolade Adewuyi, discussed the theme of the summit, “Sustainable development in Nigeria: What are the challenges and proposed solutions?”
Jane Saidi, Director of the International Nursing School Berlin, Dr Peter Agwi, architect, town planner and chief executive of APO Consulting GmbH, and Akinola Famson, Executive Director of Afrikarat Berlin-Brandenburg e.V., offered their insights on advancing diaspora engagement not just for Nigeria’s development but for the entire African continent.
Agwi encouraged Africans living in Germany to invest in the country to build capital and experience which they could later apply in Africa. He delved into how diaspora Africans could build capital and acquire experience, citing the formation of investor’s clubs that makes it possible to pool capital for joint investment. He said it’s important that one learns the rudiments of a business in the diaspora before venturing into it in their homeland.
Agwi, whose company is the European partner of Nigeria’s real estate behemoth PWAN, talked about the housing sector, in which he said the diaspora Africans could easily invest; and not only in Germany but also in Africa.
In the case of Nigeria, the architect and town planner said the massive housing deficit in Africa’s largest country makes real estate a very promising sector to invest in. “Challenges in Nigeria are in fact opportunities for investment by the diaspora,” he added.
Ms Saidi of the Berlin International School narrated how she started the institution, which provides opportunity for training to Africans and Asians. She said her main motivation in establishing the school was to provide a learning environment that takes cognisant of the social and cultural experiences of Africans.
Zimbabwean-born Saidi encouraged Africans to go into business in Germany as “the process is straight forward and you don’t have to bribe anybody to get any permits”.
“We shouldn’t be shy of our culture”
In his submission, Akinola Famson, a well-known community activist, talked about his integration process and how he ended up becoming one of the leading migrant community leaders in the federal capital.
Famson, who is recognized for his multifaceted roles as a musician, filmmaker, cultural curator and community activist, advocated dedication and consistency as the panacea for success.
He also called on Africans to market the continent by showcasing their cultures, as they enrich the cultural landscape of Germany.
The social entrepreneur said cultural exchange promotes mutual understanding and appreciation of different cultural backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society. “We shouldn’t be shy of our culture,” he advised.
Famson also talked about the economic benefits of promoting African cultures in Germany because they create businesses that offer unique products and services as well as promoting tourism in the continent. “Culture sells and you can make impact with your culture,” he concluded.
Famson’s work exemplifies how individuals from the diaspora can significantly impact their countries of residence by promoting cultural diversity, fostering understanding, and creating vibrant, inclusive communities.
“If you’re successful here, you’re successful everywhere”
After the panel talk, there were motivation speeches by several participants, one of whom was Maximus Uzor. The franchise owner of several Domino’s restaurants in Hamburg emphasised the need for Africans living in the diaspora to seek success first in their countries of residence before venturing into business in Africa.
A prominent figure in Hamburg known for his multifaceted contributions to the African community, the Nigerian-born entrepreneur identified a mistake often made by the diaspora in pursuing business success in their home countries when they are not yet well established in their countries of residence.
“If you’re successful here, you’re successful everywhere,” Uzor summed up his advice.
Several initiatives also made presentations at the event. Among them was Black in Tech, a social impact organization based in Berlin that provides a community for skilled workers, particularly in IT and engineering.
Empowering 10,000 young professionals in tech
The organisation seeks to end the isolation of skilled workers recruited directly from Africa in Berlin by supporting its members in their integration process, said Aku Appiah-Lindberg, who represented her organisation at the event.
Black in Tech’s mission is to spearhead equitable access to tech education, economic advancement, and career opportunities for underrepresented talent and entrepreneurs in Europe, enabling their full participation and success in the digital economy.
The organisation is currently implementing projects to empower and support 10,000 young professionals and entrepreneurs of African descent to enter the technology sector by 2030, Ms Appiah-Lindberg explained.
The event featured entertainment by the comedian Okwus Baba and the saxophonist Saxking, who delighted the participants with their performances.
The Networking Summit for Nigerians in Germany 2024 was a huge success. It was inspiring to witness the vibrant exchange of ideas and the enthusiasm of all participants.
A remarkable event for collaboration
It was truly a remarkable event that brought together professionals, fostered meaningful connections, and provided invaluable opportunities for collaboration.
The positive feedback from attendees is a testament to the event’s impact and the excellent work the leadership of NIDO Germany has accomplished.
The meticulous planning and dedication that went into organizing the meeting were evident in every detail. From the insightful speakers and engaging discussions to the seamless logistics and warm hospitality, it was clear that a tremendous amount of effort and thought had been invested to ensure the event’s success.
Such gatherings as the Summit are critical to strengthening the organised African diaspora and advancing its shared goals. The successful implementation of the event further demonstrates that the current leadership of NIDO Germany is capable of advancing the organization’s mission.
Femi Awoniyi/All Photos: Isaac Buari/NIDO Germany e.V.
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