AFFORD

AFFORD is a charity evolving into a social enterprise to drive entrepreneurial agenda and capacity of the African Diaspora.

Since its formation 26 years ago, AFFORD has put the issue of migration and development on the policy agenda. It has developed an unrivalled knowledge and expertise on issues impacting on the African diaspora such as remittances, brain drain, skills transfers, etc
It has a proven track in working with the African diaspora and uses its expertise on the diaspora and its relationship to development i

n providing consultancy services to various organizations
We believe in harnessing the diaspora and other partners to invest, time, money, know-how, to help power the engines of wealth creation that will produce self-sustainable and profitable communities, instead of communities waiting for the next aid cheque.

16/08/2026

The African diaspora is already contributing to Africa’s growth. We are working to make that contribution even more connected, coordinated and impactful.

An important part of this is learning from one another and building the right connections.

Through our AFFORD Connect community, we are hosting monthly learning and networking meetups that bring together diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, and key stakeholders in Africa’s growth – all in the same room to learn, connect and collaborate around practical topics that can help move their journeys forward.

Our next meetup takes place on Thursday 27th August in London, where we will be joined by our friends at Avalon Insights, led by Thomas Akintan (Thomas A.), for a practical session on: Using AI to Strengthen Your Fundraising

We will explore how AI can be used as a practical tool to make fundraising more effective for those building and supporting ventures across Africa, including live demonstrations of how these tools can be applied.

Places are limited, so join us in person to learn, connect and be part of the conversation.

Click on the QR code in the flyer. Or see registration link in the comments.

20/07/2026

Africa at the Centre: Leading Change, Shifting Power is an Afro-centric system change convening in Accra this coming September to reimagine development from an African perspective and place African leadership, knowledge and agency at the heart of systems change.

AFFORD UK is a partner/co-host for the conference, alongside West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), EpicAfrica, Reos Partners and RINGO.

Want to find out more about Africa at the Centre?

Register now for the pre-convening webinar this Thursday
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/h4_yx38uTlC5LY6l7M4iag #/registration

14.00 GMT | 23 July | In English and French

For decades, development in Africa has largely been shaped through externally defined priorities, funding models and measures of success, often limiting African ownership and weakening the sustainability of local solutions.

Africa cannot transform the future through systems it did not design.

It is time to reimagine, reshape and lead from our own realities, knowledge systems and lived experiences.

Africa at the Centre: Leading Change, Shifting Power is a Pan-African convening bringing together African actors and allies to move beyond the rhetoric of and co-create practical pathways, partnerships and commitments that advance African leadership in development, philanthropy, governance and systems change.

Through dialogue, systems thinking and innovation, participants will build shared understanding, surface bold alternatives and design solutions that endure long after the convening ends.

Join policymakers, civil society leaders, researchers, philanthropies and changemakers from across Africa and beyond. Registration is already open for the event in Accra between 1-3 September.

But don't forget you can find out much more at the pre-convening webinar on Thursday.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/h4_yx38uTlC5LY6l7M4iag #/registration

The future of Africa will not be inherited. It will be co-created.

Be part of the change.

Stella Opoku-Owusu Charles Kojo Vandyck

10/07/2026

Thank you to all those who joined us at African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3 2026) last Saturday.

This year the theme of the event was Africa Reimagined: Collective Action for a New Era – How the next generation of diaspora investors can drive decent job creation, employability and growth in Africa.

It was a successful day of rich and constructive discussion, making new connections and plenty of practical ideas on how we can collectively strengthen diaspora participation in Africa's growth.

AD3 2026 may be over for another year, but we would like the conversations, connections and opportunities to continue.

At AD3, we officially launched AFFORD Connect, our new flagship that offers ongoing access to the AFFORD community, helping you stay connected to diaspora opportunities, events, insights and collaboration beyond this annual gathering.

Link to join AFFORD Connect in the comments below.

There is the option of either free or paid tiers – both will keep you abreast of opportunities while helping AFFORD continue its wider work to strengthen diaspora participation and impact across Africa.

But this is more than a simple subscription. It is a growing community of diaspora professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and changemakers who want to contribute to Africa’s growth while benefiting from opportunities, connections and shared learning.

Thank you again for being part of AD3 2026. We look forward to staying connected and continuing the journey together.

02/07/2026

⏱️ time running out to register for this year's African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3).

🌍 Sing up now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

AD3 is AFFORD UK’s flagship annual event, bringing together leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development practitioners, academics and ecosystem builders committed to advancing 's growth and development through collective action.

It will be held this Saturday 4th July, at SOAS University of London.

The theme for AD3 2026 is: Africa Reimagined: Collective Action for a New Era – How the Next Generation of Diaspora Investors Can Drive Decent Job Creation, Employability and Growth in Africa.

This year’s event will explore how diaspora communities can play a strategic role in supporting Africa’s future. Through a combination of keynote discussions, practical showcases, networking opportunities and intergenerational dialogue, AD3 aims to identify tangible pathways for action.

Speakers and panellists for the day include:
Elvina Quaison, Ndidi Njoku, Amr Aljowaily

Dieu-Donne Gameli, CFA Sidi Saccoh, Oreva Odu (Oreva O.), Dr Unisa Dizo-Conteh, PhD. , Stella Opoku-Owusu, Joevas Asare

Paul Asquith, SARA AMANI, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Hend Kheiralla, Victoria Olayide Adesanya, CFA, Chukwu-Emeka P F Chikezie MBE, Hannah Wanjie Ryder (芮婉洁)

Mariama Kamara, Jeanne Faulet-Ekpitini, Onyekachi Wambu, Vanessa Mulangala, Rose Yombo-Djema, Roopal Kanabar, Afzaal Mauthoor

Nicholas Atampugre, Nyarko Owusu Frederick, TJ Omojomolo, Folu Ogunyeye, Saidah Iman

AD3 provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, partnership-building and practical engagement across the diaspora ecosystem. The convening seeks to strengthen connections between diaspora communities and key stakeholders working across investment, enterprise development, employability, policy, innovation and economic transformation throughout Africa.

🌍 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

30/06/2026

African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) is AFFORD UK’s flagship annual convening, bringing together diaspora leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development practitioners, academics and ecosystem builders committed to advancing Africa's growth and development through collective action.

Register now to attend the event this Saturday 4th July, at SOAS University of London.

🌍 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

AD3 provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, partnership-building and practical engagement across the diaspora ecosystem. The convening seeks to strengthen connections between diaspora communities and key stakeholders working across investment, enterprise development, employability, policy, innovation and economic transformation throughout Africa.

The theme for AD3 2026 is: Africa Reimagined: Collective Action for a New Era – How the Next Generation of Diaspora Investors Can Drive Decent Job Creation, Employability and Growth in Africa.

This year’s event will explore how diaspora communities can play a strategic role in supporting Africa’s future. Through a combination of keynote discussions, practical showcases, networking opportunities and intergenerational dialogue, AD3 aims to identify tangible pathways for action.

The day will begin with a Diaspora Investor Essentials Masterclass – A practical training session run by ARK Group International introducing participants to diaspora investment opportunities, frameworks and pathways for engagement in Africa.

Giving masterclass presentations will be:
Dieu-Donne Gameli, CFA speaking on Due diligence, governance and red flags
Sidi Saccoh on Understanding risk and return
Oreva Odu (Oreva O.) on Pathways for diaspora investment
Dr Unisa Dizo-Conteh, PhD. on The diaspora advantage
Stella Opoku-Owusu on Why invest in Africa?
Moderator: Joevas Asare

Book your place for AD3 and the Diaspora Investor Essentials Masterclass now:
🌍 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

23/06/2026

REGISTER NOW to attend AFFORD UK's African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) 2026, on Saturday 4th July 2026 at SOAS University of London.

Click here to register for AD3 2026 🌍
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

AD3 is one of the leading convening platforms bringing together diaspora leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development practitioners, academics and ecosystem builders committed to advancing Africa's growth through collective action.

This year's theme is:

Africa Reimagined: Collective action for a new era – How the next generation of diaspora investors can drive decent job creation, employability and growth in Africa

Among the sessions on the day will be a keynote address by Amr Aljowaily, director of African Union CIDO and a panel discussion featuring Victoria Olayide Adesanya, CFA of VOA Venture Partners, Chukwu-Emeka P F Chikezie MBE of Invest Salone and International Growth Centre and AFFORD's Hend Kheiralla, moderated by Paul Asquith.

AD3 will be opened by AFFORD's chair Ndidi Njoku.

Register now:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

19/06/2026

Registration is now open for AFFORD UK's African Diaspora and Development Day (AD3) 2026, taking place from 9am on Saturday 4th July 2026 at SOAS University of London.

Click here to register for AD3 2026.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

Now in its 25th year, AD3 has become one of the leading convening platforms bringing together diaspora leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development practitioners, academics and ecosystem builders committed to advancing Africa's growth through collective action.

This year's theme is:

Africa Reimagined: Collective action for a new era – How the next generation of diaspora investors can drive decent job creation, employability and growth in Africa

As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to engage with:

🌍 Senior diaspora leaders, investors, policymakers, ambassadors and development partners shaping the future of Africa-diaspora engagement

🌍 High-level discussions exploring practical approaches to diaspora investment, enterprise growth, job creation, employability and economic transformation across Africa

🌍 Emerging diaspora-led investment vehicles, enterprise platforms and initiatives creating tangible opportunities for collaboration and impact

🌍 A flagship intergenerational dialogue examining how established and next-generation diaspora leaders can work together to drive Africa's future growth and development

🌍 Curated networking opportunities designed to facilitate meaningful connections, partnerships and strategic engagement across the diaspora ecosystem

🌍 The AD3 Special Recognition for Africa segment, celebrating outstanding contributions and leadership across the diaspora investment and development landscape

🌍 New initiatives and practical mechanisms designed to strengthen diaspora participation, collaboration and collective action beyond the event itself.

In addition, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in the Diaspora Investor Essentials Masterclass, delivered by ARK Group International, providing practical insights into diaspora investment opportunities, pathways and mechanisms for supporting enterprise growth and economic development across Africa.

Click here to register for AD3 2026.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-diaspora-and-development-day-ad3-2026-tickets-1991908266245

Alternatively, if you experience any difficulties registering, or would prefer to be registered directly by the organising team, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

We look forward to welcoming you to AD3 2026.

08/06/2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PRIZE DRAW WINNER AND THANKS TO ALL WHO COMPLETED OUR ENERGY CROWDFUNDING SURVEY

The winner of a free prize draw was selected and announced at the launch event of AFFORD UK's new report Exploring the Potential of African Diaspora Investors in Energy Crowdfunding, published alongside our partners Energise Africa and Energy 4 Impact.

The 350+ people who had completed our diaspora investment survey about energy crowdfunding in Africa – providing information that was used in the report – were entered into a free prize draw to win a return flight plane ticket to Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Uganda from any location in the world.

Kwame Fredua Agyemang Asare was randomly selected as the winner at the event on Thursday, 7th May. Watch the video below to see the moment Kwame won.

The new report explores the potential of African diaspora investors to mobilise capital for sustainable energy projects through crowdfunding, with a particular focus on Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.

Read it here:https://afford-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/FORMAT_14-March_Energy-Crowdfunding-2.pdf

08/05/2026

Migration as a creative force: culture, innovation and the cities where it happens

AFFORD UK has been participating in the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in this week, engaging in global discussions on migration governance under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

Our presence has been focused on ensuring African and diaspora perspectives are meaningfully represented in these conversations, particularly in relation to investment, development and community-level impact.

The IMRF is the primary global platform for reviewing progress on the implementation of the GCM, a non-binding framework for cooperation on all aspects of migration.

On Wednesday, our executive director Stella Opoku-Owusu took part in the Migration as a Creative Force - Goals Lounge event.

You can watch the session back on United Nations Web TV here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1x/k1xsr4n1ee

Here's a taste of what was covered:

Cultural policy is underutilised as a lever for integration and social cohesion.

The Goals Lounge explored how national and local governments can better connect cultural investment with migration governance – and what role foundations and international organisations can play in brokering these connections.

Migration has always been a source of cultural innovation and creative energy. The most vibrant cities in the world – from New York to Berlin to Lagos – have been shaped by successive waves of migrants bringing new ideas, aesthetics, languages and practices. Yet this contribution is systematically underrepresented in migration policy debates.

Cities are at the forefront of cultural exchange and integration, making local leadership critical. Mayors and municipal authorities are often ahead of national governments in developing inclusive approaches – and in recognising migration as an asset rather than a burden.

Creative industries – from museums and galleries to film and television – are increasingly engaging with migration themes, both as subject matter and as an employment and entrepreneurship pathway for migrants and diaspora communities.

The Venice Biennale, international film festivals, literary prizes and major cultural institutions have in recent years centred migrant voices and stories. This session asked what it takes to move from one-off moments of recognition to sustained structural change – in funding, commissioning, programming and hiring.

Check it out.

Address

Rich Mix Building, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch
London
E16LA

Telephone

+442033263750

Website

http://www.afford-uk.org/

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