Apr 07 2025 57 mins
By nurturing a sense of shared heritage, African countries can encourage the diaspora to contribute to the continent's future.
Ghana is leading the way for Africa’s reconnection with its diaspora, transforming history into a powerful source of strength and opportunity. In 2019, the country launched the landmark "Year of Return", commemorating 400 years since enslaved Africans were first taken to Virginia, and welcomed thousands of descendants back to their ancestral home. Building on that emotional milestone, Ghana rolled out "Beyond the Return", an ambitious ten-year campaign to deepen diaspora ties through investment, cultural exchange, and community building. The momentum reached new heights in November 2024, when 524 members of the diaspora were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a vibrant ceremony.