The Tanzanian government has pledged to strengthen its collaboration with the African diaspora, acknowledging its significant role in national and continental development. This commitment was announced at the seventh Bandung Africa Institute Conference in Arusha, a gathering of intellectuals from across the continent.
Salvator Mbilinyi, a director within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, confirmed the government would continue coordinating diaspora affairs. He highlighted the group's economic importance, noting that diaspora remittances to Africa in 2024 reached 94 billion US dollars, substantially exceeding official development assistance.
Mbilinyi urged African nations to create robust systems for engaging the diaspora, which is formally recognized as the African Union's Sixth Region. The conference also addressed key continental issues, including the repatriation of stolen cultural artifacts and educational reforms.
Salvator Mbilinyi, a director within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, confirmed the government would continue coordinating diaspora affairs. He highlighted the group's economic importance, noting that diaspora remittances to Africa in 2024 reached 94 billion US dollars, substantially exceeding official development assistance.
Mbilinyi urged African nations to create robust systems for engaging the diaspora, which is formally recognized as the African Union's Sixth Region. The conference also addressed key continental issues, including the repatriation of stolen cultural artifacts and educational reforms.
