Burundian Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye officially inaugurated the 2026 edition of Diaspora Week, an event that took place from July 29 to July 30, 2026. The week was focused on engaging with the Pan-African diaspora, under the theme: “Dialogue with the Pan-African Diaspora on the Development and Transformation of Africa.” This significant gathering aimed to foster discussions on the key role of these communities in the sustainable development of their respective nations. During his opening address, Prime Minister Ntahontuye emphasized the critical importance of unity and organization among the diaspora. "The most important thing I ask of you is to be organized and united," he stated, showing his call for a cohesive approach. "A force that is not organized scares no one. A dispersed diaspora has no influence." This message set the tone for the event, noting the need for collective action to achieve meaningful impact.
Diaspora's Multifaceted Contributions
The African diaspora demonstrates significant strength through its skills, resources, and a profound sense of responsibility towards their homelands. Amr Aljowaily, Director of Citizen Organizations and Diaspora (Cido) of the African Union, reiterated this by stating that the African diaspora is perceived as a vital source of three capitals: financial, human, and diplomatic/social. Aljowaily further articulated the diaspora's dual role, adding, "La diaspora est une voix, la diaspora est un pont." These contributions are not merely theoretical; in 2024, African diasporas contributed over 100 billion US dollars to the development of their respective countries, showcasing their substantial financial impact. Violet Kakyomya, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, further noted that thousands of Africans worldwide contribute to their home countries through direct investments, valuable skills transfer, and fostering innovation. Mobilizing the diaspora is recognized as a powerful lever to accelerate convergence between the Burundi 2040-2060 vision, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the broader Sustainable Development Goals. This strategic mobilization is seen as essential for achieving long-term growth and prosperity across the continent.
Event Program and Goals
The event brought together members of the Burundian diaspora alongside representatives from the diasporas of 12 other nations, fostering a broad and inclusive dialogue. These included Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ethiopia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Malawi, Mali, Guinea Conakry, Comoros, France, Côte d’Ivoire, and the United States. The program for the two-day event featured three distinct panels, carefully designed to foster in-depth discussion and practical collaboration among participants. These panels focused on key areas for diaspora engagement in Africa's development efforts. One panel specifically addressed the mobilization and engagement of African diasporas to achieve sustainable development across the continent, exploring strategies for effective participation. Another session explored the promotion of diaspora investments and their direct contribution to Africa's economic progress, looking at mechanisms to channel these funds effectively. The final panel facilitated an exchange of experiences, allowing participants to share and learn best practices for effective diaspora mobilization within Africa, drawing on diverse national contexts and success stories. The discussions aimed to identify actionable strategies and strengthen networks for future collaboration.
Call for Unity and Organization
The Diaspora Week event, held from July 29 to July 30, 2026, concluded with a strong reaffirmation of its core message. During the proceedings, Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye reiterated his fervent call for an organized and united African diaspora. Prime Minister Ntahontuye emphasized that the world respects those who are organized and listens intently to those who speak with a unified voice. "Le monde ne respecte pas les gens qui sont éparpillés, mais il respecte les personnes qui s’organisent, et écoute celles qui parlent d’une même voix," he stated, adding, "C’est cette voix que nous voulons pour la diaspora africaine." His words showed the transformative power of a cohesive diaspora.
The ambition of the Burundian head of state, who also serves as the current chairman of the African Union, is to position the African diaspora as a key actor in the continent's development. This vision shows the importance of collective action and a cohesive approach among diaspora members to achieve significant contributions to Africa's progress. The Prime Minister's remarks noted the belief that a well-organized diaspora can exert considerable influence and drive development initiatives across the continent, transforming aspirations into tangible realities for Africa's future.