Panel members at the forum Photo credit: African Development Network
Friday 17 November 2023


IMPACT DIASPORA FORUM:
A CATALYST FOR COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION WITHIN AFRO-DESCENDANT COMMUNITIES



The Impact Diaspora Forum provided a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration within Afro-descendant communities. It kicked off with a series of high-profile conferences, exploring key challenges and opportunities. The cultural richness and successes of diasporas were highlighted through an exhibition and gala. Strategic meetings between diasporas and their representatives fostered the creation of partnerships and the formulation of recommendations for lasting positive impact. The Forum thus laid the foundations for strengthened collaboration and concerted action across borders.
This major event organized by ADN has established itself as a flagship event, offering a dynamic platform for dialogue, reflection and collaboration within Afro-descendant communities. Over the course of three days rich in exchanges, the event addressed various aspects, from the discussion of major challenges to the celebration of successes, while laying the foundations for strengthened collaboration and lasting impact.
The Impact Diaspora Summit kicked off with the Inaugural Speeches: Moderated by Abel Maxwell, (artist, best-selling author and entrepreneur), it was inaugurated by powerful speeches from eminent personalities:

– The Honourable Greg Fergus, Speaker of the House of Commons in the Canadian Parliament.
– Mr Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa (host of the summit).
– Her Excellency Joy Ruth Acheng, Ugandan High Commissioner to Canada and Dean of African Ambassadors to Canada.
– Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament for Nepean in the Canadian House of Commons.
– Dr. Michel Hamala Sidibé, African Union Special Envoy for WADA, Former under secretary-general of the UN
– Andre Gallo Azambou, Promoter and Chairman of the Board of ADN.
– Franklin Epape, Director General of ADN and main organizer of the summit.


The first day of the summit was marked by three captivating conferences, during which speakers explored crucial themes such as economic development, community empowerment and investment opportunities in Africa. Stimulating discussions emerged, laying the foundations for constructive dialogue in the days ahead.

Panel 1: The Impact of Diaspora Women on the Canadian and African Economy

Moderated by Sarah Onyango, Journalist, filmmaker and producer

This panel featured renowned speakers such as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco Souriya Otmani, Ontario Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs Roda Muse, Edith Gingras, Regional Director, Africa/MENA at the Parliamentary Centre, Lilly Obina, Senior Project Manager (Digital Services) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Indira Moudi, CEO Viandes Lafrance and Co-Founder of UAA – United Action for Africa.


Panel 2: The impact of the African diaspora on the Canadian and African economy

Led by Denise Siele, Senior Consultant, Artful Strategies, Journalist

This panel featured high-level speakers, including Dr. Michel Hamala Sidibé, African Union Special Envoy for AMA, Former Under Secretary-General of the United Nations, His Excellency Anselm R. Sowah (Ghanaian Ambassador to Canada), Hon. Chandra Arya (Canadian Member of Parliament) and Hon. Stanley Dickson Nwabuisi (Member of Parliament, Nigeria).


Panel 3: The Significant Impact of the Canadian Diaspora and Investors in Africa and Canada

Moderated by Nikki Clarke, Founder and Producer of The Nikki Clarke Show

This panel featured experts such as Dan Klinck, CEO of East African Power, Michael Kroon, CEO of KroonElectric Corp, Oumar Diane, Director of Finance and Strategy Consulting Expert Partners Group Africa & Associate Partners Tulium Corporation in Canada, Olivier Musafiri, Project Manager at Africa TFO and Catherine LeTeinturier-Guisse, Business Center Manager at BDC.
The second day was devoted to an exhibition highlighting innovative products and services from a variety of entrepreneurs, followed by a networking gala. This showcase offered an exclusive opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs to discover the dynamism of the companies present, and to explore potential partnerships.
In the evening, the networking gala created an environment conducive to informal exchanges, fostering interpersonal relationships and lasting connections. These events provided unique opportunities for visibility and business development for all ADN-supported entrepreneurs.
The final day was marked by two fascinating panels, providing a forum for exchange between economic operators and political players who have already developed business in Africa. This event enabled Canadian entrepreneurs and the African diaspora in Canada to learn about concrete business opportunities, while benefiting from the lessons and practical advice of the experts present. Discussions focused on the challenges, successes and strategies for success on African soil.
 – Panel 1: Business Opportunities on African Soil for Canadians and the African Diaspora

o Moderated by Abel Maxwell, with distinguished participants including Dan Klinck, Dr. Michel Hamala Sidibé, His Excellency Bafétigué Ouattara (Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire), His Excellency Prosper Higiro (Ambassador of Rwanda) and Ginette Porhel (Entrepreneur).

– Panel 2: Impact of the Cameroonian Diaspora in Canada and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Cameroonian Youtho Moderated by Guy Épassy (Secretary of the Council of Cameroonians in Canada), with the participation of Cameroon’s Minister of Youth and Civic Education, His Excellency Mounouna Foutsou.
In conclusion 

The Impact Diaspora Summit was an important moment of change and collaboration. It allowed ideas to come together, successes to be celebrated, and inspired concrete action. The gathering laid the foundations for strengthened collaboration between the Afro-descendant diaspora in Canada, business delegations, African political figures, and Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to establish partnerships in Africa.


The event was marked by an exceptional convergence between these different groups. The closing ceremony was marked by a speech by Mr. Isidore Douale, ADN’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition, the success of the summit was recognized as far away as the House of Commons, receiving congratulations from Canadian political authorities. This recognition underlines the importance of the summit in Canadian political circles, saluting its commitment and effectiveness in promoting strong links between the diaspora, entrepreneurs and decision-makers.

The success of this edition has also led to the planning of a future edition of the summit, with discussions underway to hold it in both Africa and Canada in the years to come. This summit will remain a key moment, where the diaspora, entrepreneurs and decision-makers worked together to strengthen economic cooperation between Canada and Africa in a dynamic and inclusive way.